DHAKA, Nov. 1 (Xinhua) -- Visiting UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon said here Saturday that Bangladesh as current chair of the Least Developed Countries (LDCs) can play an important role in the efforts to achieve UN reform.

United Nations General Secretary Ban Ki-Moon (2rd R) attends a meeting between officials of the United Nations and Bangladesh government in Dhaka, capital of Bangladesh, Nov 1, 2008. Ban Ki-Moon arrived in Dhaka Saturday for a two-day visit.(Xinhua/Qamruzzaman) Photo Gallery>>>

    "Bangladesh makes significant contributions to the world organization," he said here at a dinner hosted by Bangladesh caretaker government Chief Advisor Fakhruddin Ahmed.

    Over the past decade, he said Bangladesh has been one of the leading contributors of troops and police. Today, more than 9,000 Bangladesh personnel are deployed in Africa, Asia and Europe, serving the cause of peace.

    "This concrete commitment to peace and to the fundamental values of the United Nations says a lot about the character of the people of Bangladesh," he said.

    Ban, who arrived here Saturday on a two-day visit, also expressed his happiness over the achievement of "remarkable success" in growth and poverty reduction in Bangladesh.

    Expressing concern over the adverse impact of the climate change, he said Bangladesh is on the frontlines of climate change.

    Rising sea levels could inundate the fertile Ganges delta, displacing large numbers of people and undermining the country's striking achievements in food security, he said.

    He praised the response of the government and people of Bangladesh to the two devastating floods and super Cyclone Sidr in2007, which killed thousands of people.

    On the hardship facing the country because of the dramatic rise in global commodity prices, the UN chief said he was impressed by the government's efforts to stimulate food production, and by other steps being taken to absorb the shock.

    He also shared Dhaka's concern about the impact of global financial crisis and assured that the UN system will remain Bangladesh's close partner in facing the challenges ahead. 

UN chief hopes fair, credible parliamentary polls in Bangladesh

    DHAKA, Nov. 1 (Xinhua) -- United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon Saturday hoped forthcoming parliamentary elections in Bangladesh would be held in most fair, objective and credible ways so that the country can have smooth and peaceful transition towards full democracy.

    Ban, who arrived here Saturday on a two-day visit, made the remarks to the media after meeting with Foreign Advisor of the Bangladesh caretaker government Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury.

    The UN chief will hold meetings with Bangladesh President Iajuddin Ahmed, Chief Advisor of the caretaker government Fakhruddin Ahmed and leaders of major parties. Full story