Prime Minister's Adviser on Finance and Planning Dr Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir has called on the United Nations system to establish an international mechanism for debt restructuring, debt relief, debt suspension and sustainable debt solutions to help developing countries address mounting fiscal pressures arising from the Middle East crisis and other global shocks. He said such measures are essential to enable developing countries to sustain investment in children, women, education, health and social protection, while keeping progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) on track.
Fiscal Constraints and Development Goals
Speaking during a meeting with UNICEF Deputy Executive Director for Humanitarian Action and Supply Operations Ted Chaiban at UNICEF House in New York, Dr Titumir highlighted that rising energy prices, supply chain disruptions and increasing debt burdens had significantly narrowed Bangladesh's fiscal space. Despite these challenges, he emphasized the government's commitment to protecting vulnerable populations and advancing its vision of a democratic human welfare state under the 'Bangladesh First' philosophy.
Commitment to Social Security and Development Initiatives
Dr Titumir underscored the government's commitment to a universal life-cycle-based social security system, placing women at the center of development. He mentioned the Family Card initiative, which would support women-led households and provide assistance across different stages of life, including pregnancy, childhood, education, disability and old age. State Minister for Planning Zonayed Abdur Rahim Saki also attended the meeting, stressing the importance of reliable and integrated data systems and outlining the government's proposed 'One Child, One Card, One Number and One Wallet' strategy to improve birth registration, school enrolment and access to public services.
UNICEF's Support and Future Collaboration
Deputy Executive Director Ted Chaiban congratulated Bangladesh's newly elected Government and welcomed the country's election to the presidency of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly. He commended the government's ambitious initiatives to protect vulnerable populations, particularly children and women, despite significant fiscal constraints. Chaiban reaffirmed UNICEF's commitment to strengthening its partnership with Bangladesh in education, early childhood development, nutrition, social protection, teacher capacity-building and child-focused data systems.
