Bangladesh is expected to field its candidate for the UN Security Council non-permanent membership after ending of UN General Assembly.
“We are now busy taking preparation for UNGA. After the conclusion of UNGA, we will decide on our new candidacy for the UNSC non-permanent membership,” said a senior official of the Foreign Ministry.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is scheduled to fly to New York on September 21 to attend the 69th UNGA and return home on September 30.
Bangladesh was an aspirant to become UNSC non-permanent member for 2016-17, but it withdrew its candidature in favour of Japan this month.
“We showed a goodwill gesture to Japan by sacrificing our candidature. We expect that Tokyo would support us when we need it,” the official said.
Bangladesh will announce its candidacy for an empty slot as it will never float its candidacy for a period where any other Asian or Pacific country has already expressed their desire, he said.
Only one country can become non-permanent member of the UNSC for two-year period from the Asia-Pacific region.
Dhaka was elected non-permanent member of the UN Security Council in 1979-80 and 1999-2000 with overwhelming support from its friends.
For the 1979-80 term, Bangladesh defeated Japan when Tokyo was also an aspirant for the non-permanent membership.
Bangladesh in 2002 expressed desire to become the UNSC non-permanent member for 2016-17 term while Japan fielded its candidate for the same term from the Asia-Pacific Group in 2011.
During the visit of her Japanese counterpart to Dhaka, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on September 6 made the announcement for withdrawal of candidature.
Bangladesh took the decision as Japan had actively supported Bangladesh during the 1971 Liberation War and after the independence, it has become the largest bilateral development partner of Bangladesh.
The Japanese prime minister expressed his deep appreciation and highly appreciated the decision, saying that it would be instrumental in strengthening bilateral relations that is just about to enter a new dimension.
During her visit to Tokyo in May, the Bangladesh premier said the Japanese people would hear a good news about the UN Security Council membership when their prime minister visits Dhaka.
