International Day of Peace today

Various socio-cultural and political organisations have chalked out elaborate programmes to observe the day through holding seminar, symposium and discussion on peace and democracy.

On the eve of the day, Prime Minister Khaleda Zia in a message reaffirmed her commitment to the principles of peace, tolerance and harmony.

She said Bangladesh has consistently made every effort to contribute to global peace and security through its involvement in the policy-making process at the international level, contributing to the UN agenda for development and participating in UN peacekeeping missions.

The Prime Minister further said her government and the people of Bangladesh remain deeply committed to realising principles and purposes of the UN and reiterate pledge to foster global peace, progress and prosperity.

Meanwhile, UN Secretary General Kofi Annan also issued a separate message on the occasion of the International Day of Peace.

In the message, he said peace is the 'paramount' of the UN mission. "It is the basis of our existence, the essence of our identity, the cause that animates everything we do," he observed.

Kofi Annan called upon world leaders to honour those who have suffered from violence and armed conflict on this day.