Bangladesh on Thursday signed the UN Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) and Protocol V on Explosive Remnants of War to the Convention on Prohibitions of Restrictions on the use of Certain Conventional Weapons (CCW). Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina signed the treaty at a function at the UN Headquarters for Bangladesh, the first in South Asia and South East Asia. UN Under Secretary General Miguel Serpa Soers was present on the occasion, and thanked the Bangladesh Prime Minister for signing the treaty. In 2003, the UN General Assembly adopted the landmark Arms Trade Treaty (ATT), regulating the international trade in conventional arms, from small arms to battle tanks, combat aircraft and warships to foster peace and security, blocking the destabilising arms flow in the world. On the other hand, the Protocol V is designed to alleviate the humanitarian impact of ERW in the post-conflict period. So far, 82 States have signed the Protocol V that came into force on November 12, 2006. Foreign Minister Dr Dipu Moni, Ambassador at-Large M Ziauddin and Bangladesh’s Permanent Representative to UN Dr A K Abdul Momen and senior officials were also present on the occasion. US Secretary of State John Kerry also signed the treaty on Wednesday on behalf of his country. – UNB
