Foreign Affairs Adviser Md. Touhid Hossain today reaffirmed Bangladesh's unwavering commitment to the founding principles of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), calling for renewed global solidarity, justice, and cooperation to ensure shared prosperity and sustainable peace.
Addressing the 19th Mid-Term Ministerial Conference of NAM in Kampala, Uganda, Touhid said Bangladesh is undergoing "a period of profound renewal," marked by inclusive reforms to strengthen institutions and uphold accountability, according to a message received here this evening. 
"Reflecting on renewed aspirations and hope of our people, we are now pursuing inclusive reforms to strengthen institutions, ensure rights and uphold accountability," he said, adding, "This transformation in our country has reaffirmed a simple truth: affluence is not concentration of wealth by a few, and development is not just grand projects that become long-term liabilities."
The Adviser emphasised that true progress must focus on investing in people, empowering women, and harnessing the potential of youth, aligning with NAM's vision of inclusive development.
Highlighting Bangladesh's humanitarian contribution, Touhid drew attention to the country's continued hosting of 1.3 million forcibly displaced Rohingyas from Myanmar, noting the immense socio-economic and environmental burden it imposes.
"We urge the international community to deploy every means to ensure their early return to their own country, Myanmar, and relieve Bangladesh of this huge burden," he urged.
He also reiterated Bangladesh's firm support for the Palestinian people, denouncing "horrific violence and systematic mass killings" and calling for a two-state solution with East Jerusalem as the capital.
Reiterating Bangladesh's long-standing position against nuclear proliferation, the foreign adviser said that in a world scarred by conflicts, complete disarmament is indispensable. 
"We strongly underscore the need for total elimination of nuclear weapons. The vast resources invested in weapons could be far better spent on health, education and social safety of our people in the developing world," he observed. 
He further rejected unilateral coercive measures imposed outside the UN framework, describing them as violations of international law that "obstruct development and erode trust in multilateralism."
Touhid urged NAM members to stand united to safeguard their common interests and advance collective prosperity.
"If we are to realize shared prosperity, we must ensure that no one and no country is left behind. If we are to build a secured world, we must remember that no one is safe until everyone is safe," he said.
Underscoring NAM's continuing relevance, Touhid said the principles first enshrined in Bandung and Belgrade remain "as relevant today here at Kampala" in addressing global challenges ranging from conflicts and climate change to economic inequality.
"Respect for sovereignty, equality, non-intervention, peaceful settlement, solidarity and justice are the bedrocks of the future we seek," he said. "Without realizing these, shared prosperity will remain elusive."
The adviser stressed that NAM unity is critical to navigating a world marked by "growing fragmentation and mistrust," adding that reforms within the United Nations must be complemented by efforts to streamline NAM's decision-making and strengthen its collective voice.
Concluding his address, he reaffirmed Bangladesh's steadfast commitment to NAM's enduring ideals of equality, solidarity, and justice, and its determination to "build a just, peaceful and prosperous world for present and future generations."
Themed "Deepening Cooperation for Shared Global Affluence," the three-day ministering meeting is reviewing progress on action points adopted by heads of state at the NAM Summit held earlier in 2024.
Established in 1961, the Non-Aligned Movement remains the world's largest group of nations outside formal military or political blocs, currently comprising 120 member states.
Uganda assumed the NAM chairmanship for four years in 2024 under the leadership of President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, ushering in a renewed phase of South-South cooperation.