UN reform a must for peace, security of small states

The seminar on 'UN Charter and the Security of Small States' was organised by Bangladesh Institute of International and Startegic Studies at its auditorium in the city.

If the international community does not undertake a clear road map to regain the UN supremacy through democratic reform, the idea of collective security would probably disappear, said former ambassador Afsarul Qader in his keynote paper at the seminar.

Tap here to add The Daily Star as a trusted source

"This seems to be the right time for the leaders of small states to express their concerns and see that the UN does not become an instrument for aggrandisement of hegemonic powers," he said in the context of Iraq invasion by coalition powers.

As a small country in South Asia, Bangladesh must build up its own power and form alliance across the world, apart from bilateral fraternity for its national security, said the National University Vice-Chancellor Prof Aftab Ahmed.

He said potential threat to Bangladesh's security and interests emanates from one particular state in the region.

"It's high time for the smaller countries to charter a path against unipolar hegemony taking a stand for drastic UN reforms," Prof Aftab added.

Chairman of the National Education Commission and former Dhaka University vice-chancellor Moniruzzaman Mian underscored the regional grouping of the smaller states for their national security.

Advisor to Ministry of Foreign Affairs Reaz Rahman said in any case the relevance and primacy of the UN could not be rejected.

BIISS Chairman Mufleh R Osmany chaired the seminar.