Bangladesh’s Foreign Minister, Dr Khalilur Rahman, has called for intensified global efforts to combat slavery and oppression during a speech at the United Nations headquarters in New York on March 25, 2026. The minister addressed a meeting commemorating the International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade.
Dr Rahman paid tribute to the millions who suffered under slavery and the transatlantic slave trade, emphasizing Bangladesh’s unwavering stance against all forms of oppression, including apartheid and genocide. He highlighted the enduring impact of slavery’s legacy on modern society, economy, and politics, despite its official abolition.
Addressing the Legacy of Slavery
The Foreign Minister reiterated Bangladesh’s constitutional rejection of imperialism, colonialism, racism, and discrimination, reaffirming the nation’s solidarity with oppressed peoples worldwide. He urged the global community to move beyond mere remembrance and engage in concerted efforts to combat human trafficking, enhance digital forensics, and invest in education to address the human and civilisational costs of slavery.
Dr Rahman concluded by urging international collaboration to build a world free from slavery and oppression, highlighting the need for renewed commitment and coordinated global action.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, March 26, 2026
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