Speaking at the opening session of the 15th OIC Summit in Banjul, Gambia, Foreign Minister Dr. Hasan Mahmud.
Speaking on behalf of the country at the Sir Dauda Kairaba Zawara International Conference Center in Banjul on Saturday evening local time, he called for an immediate end to the ongoing Israeli aggression in Palestine, ensuring uninterrupted access of humanitarian aid to those in need, and responsible for war crimes and crimes against humanityCall on OIC leaders to hold Israel accountable.He pointed out that the ongoing crisis in Gaza can be resolved by ensuring the accountability and punishment of those responsible for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Palestine.
Dr. In his speech, Hasan mentioned with special importance the establishment and development of fraternal relations with the Muslim world in the far-reaching foreign policy and wisdom of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. He also highlighted Bangladesh’s active role in various initiatives of OIC since its membership.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs expressed concern over the spread of Islamophobia worldwide and called upon the OIC to work together with various international organizations and institutions including the United Nations, the European Union to eliminate Islamophobia.
Also Dr. Hasan Mahmood expressed his gratitude to Gambia for filing the Rohingya Genocide case against Myanmar at the International Court of Justice and requested the OIC member states to provide necessary financial assistance for the proper handling of the case.
The Gambia took over the presidency from Saudi Arabia at the opening session of this year’s OIC Summit. Speaking at the opening session, OIC Secretary General Hissein Brahim Taha thanked the Bangladesh government for providing shelter to the displaced Rohingya people from Myanmar.
It should be noted that the Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr. Hasan Mahmud is leading the Bangladesh delegation. Foreign Secretary Ambassador Masood Bin Momen, Ambassador appointed to Saudi Arabia and permanent representative of Bangladesh appointed to OIC. Mohammad Jabed Patoyi, Ambassador to Nigeria Masudur Rahman, Director General (International Organizations) of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Wahida Ahmed and other officials participated in the conference.