DHAKA, Nov 25, 2024 (BSS) – Dhaka has called upon on redoubling the world’s efforts and calibrating the strategies towards the full universalisation of the Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling, Production and Transfer of Anti-Personnel Mines and on their Destruction. 

Dhaka made the urge today at the 5th Review Conference of the Convention commonly referred to as the Ottawa Convention that was held in Cambodia.  

During the conference, the 164 State Parties, including Bangladesh to the Convention, have renewed their political commitment to put an end to the sufferings and casualties caused by anti-personnel mines. 

At the high-level segment, foreign ministry’s Director General of the United Nations Wing Toufique Hasan delivered the country statement. 

Hasan reiterated Bangladesh’s unwavering commitment to adhere to the Convention with a view to upholding and advancing international humanitarian laws and ensuring respect for human dignity and for the greater cause of humanity.
 
Following the statement, Hasan, along with all other heads of delegations, signed the Siem Reap Angkor Commitment on behalf of Bangladesh.

Hasan is leading a 4-member Bangladesh delegation to the 5th Review Conference (5RC), titled ‘The Siem Reap-Angkor Summit on a Mine-Free World’, in Siem Reap, Cambodia from 25-29 November 2024. 

The 5RC will adopt two important outcomes namely Siem Reap-Angkor Action Plan (2025-2029) and Siem Reap-Angkor Declaration on a Mine-Free World.

 The earlier 4 Review Conferences took place in 2004 (Nairobi), 2009 (Cartagena), 2014 (Maputo) and 2019 (Oslo).

Bangladesh signed the Ottawa Convention in 1998, ratified it in 2000, which entered into force in 2001. 

Bangladesh has consistently demonstrated its strong commitment to the objectives of the Convention through compliance with its obligations and active participation in mine action programs. 

At present, Bangladesh is working on finalization of the Anti-personnel Mines (Ban) Bill, which is aimed at ensuring the full implementation of the Convention at the national level.