PM Tarique Rahman leaves for New York to attend UNGA

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman left Dhaka early Monday (September 21) for New York to attend the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly, where he is scheduled to deliver his first address as prime minister on September 24.

Tarique Rahman, accompanied by his wife Dr Zubaida Rahman and members of his delegation, departed Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on a Turkish Airlines flight shortly after 6am, according to officials.

Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam said the prime minister’s UNGA speech would highlight Bangladesh’s democratic transition, rule of law and accountability, global peace and security, climate change, sustainable development, economic cooperation, equitable access to modern technology and reform of the multilateral system.

During his brief New York visit, Tarique is scheduled to attend several high-level meetings and bilateral engagements, including discussions on Bangladesh’s democratic journey, good governance, climate issues and the Rohingya crisis. Bangladesh will also host two side events on the margins of the General Assembly.

The prime minister is also expected to meet UN Secretary-General António Guterres and other international leaders and officials, while holding talks with the leaders of several countries on political and economic relations, trade, investment, development cooperation and the Rohingya issue.

The visit comes as Bangladesh holds a prominent role in the 81st UNGA, with Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman serving as president of the session. The UN says the session opened on September 8 under the theme “Restoring Trust, Managing Transformation: a United Nations That Delivers for All.”