Bangladeshi foundation brings humanitarian initiatives to UNGA

The Dr Mostafa-Hajera Foundation, a humanitarian organisation that began its activities in a village in Bangladesh 14 years ago, participated in programmes and discussions held during the high-level week of the 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, according to the organisation.

Foundation founder Captain A. K. M. Golam Kibria (CIP) participated in various UN and UNGA-related programmes from September 21 to 25. According to the foundation, discussions during the programmes covered poverty, inequality, human rights, climate change, sustainable development, global peace and the impact of artificial intelligence.

The foundation said it is currently working in 15 countries under its ‘Five Zero Global Campaign’, focusing on five goals — zero begging, zero illiteracy, zero homelessness, zero deaths without medical care and zero unskilled people. It also identifies humanitarian assistance to the Rohingya community as one of its key areas of work.

A high-level side event titled ‘The Rohingya Crisis: A Renewed Call for a Durable Solution from Protracted Displacement, with Justice and Accountability’ was held at the UN Headquarters on September 23. The event was co-hosted by Bangladesh and The Gambia, with participation from UN officials and other stakeholders, and focused on humanitarian assistance, justice, accountability and a durable solution to the prolonged Rohingya displacement.

The foundation said it has previously conducted humanitarian and medical assistance programmes for the Rohingya community in Bangladesh and plans to expand its initiatives in healthcare, education, skills development and humanitarian empowerment.

Captain Golam Kibria's ‘Human Equity Civilization’ philosophy, according to the foundation, seeks to promote a world where people have equal dignity, opportunities, education, essential resources and rights to development. He said economic and technological progress alone cannot ensure a just and peaceful society without equality, cooperation and humanitarian values.

The foundation said the display of its logo on a screen at the September 23 Rohingya-related event at the UN venue marked a significant symbolic moment for the organisation, describing it as an important milestone in its journey from a village-based initiative in Bangladesh to an international platform.

“The world does not need technology alone. It needs wisdom, cooperation and humanity to guide it,” Captain Kibria said.

He also expressed gratitude to Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman for attending the special event as the chief guest. The Prime Minister addressed the September 23 high-level side event and called for a clear and credible roadmap for the early, safe, voluntary, dignified and sustainable repatriation of Rohingyas to Myanmar.

The foundation said its work goes beyond conventional charity by focusing on human dignity, equality of opportunity, healthcare, education and skills development. It said participation in programmes during the UNGA high-level week provided an opportunity to highlight these humanitarian priorities at an international forum.

- MaT