Bangladesh PM Tarique Rahman Arrives in Istanbul En Route to UN General Assembly in New York

Bangladesh's Prime Minister Tarique Rahman arrived in Istanbul on Sunday on his way to New York to attend the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), marking his first appearance at the world body's highest global forum as head of government.

The Turkish Airlines flight carrying the prime minister, his wife Dr. Zubaida Rahman, and members of the official delegation landed at Istanbul Airport at 10:55 a.m. local time, according to Prime Minister's Press Secretary Saleh Shibly.

Earlier, the aircraft departed Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka at 6:05 a.m. Bangladesh time.

Following a two-hour and 35-minute transit stop in Istanbul, the delegation is scheduled to depart for New York at 2:10 p.m. local time. The flight is expected to arrive at John F. Kennedy International Airport at 5:55 p.m. New York time.

Bangladesh's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Irene Zubaida Khan, and Bangladesh Ambassador to the United States Tarique Md. Ariful Islam are expected to receive the prime minister upon his arrival.

From the airport, the prime minister will travel in a motorcade to the Hyatt Grand Central New York, where he will stay throughout the visit.

According to Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam, Prime Minister Rahman will begin his official engagements on Sept. 22 by attending the UN Secretary-General's welcome breakfast for heads of state and government. He will then participate in the opening ceremony of the 81st UN General Assembly alongside other world leaders. In the evening, he is scheduled to attend a reception hosted by the U.S. president for heads of state and government and their spouses.

On Sept. 23, the prime minister will hold a breakfast meeting with representatives of international humanitarian and charitable organizations before addressing a high-level meeting on tackling global inequality, hosted by Brazil, South Africa, Norway, and Spain.

Later that day, he will attend the UN Secretary-General's high-level meeting titled Climate Action and the Just Transition.

On Sept. 24, Prime Minister Rahman will deliver the opening remarks at a high-level meeting on addressing the existential threat posed by rising sea levels, hosted by the president of the current UN General Assembly session in collaboration with Bangladesh's foreign minister.

During the meeting, he is expected to highlight Bangladesh's priorities as one of the world's most climate-vulnerable countries, including increased climate finance, adaptation support, technology transfer, compensation for loss and damage, and climate justice.

Later the same day, the prime minister is expected to address the UN General Assembly's General Debate.

As part of Bangladesh's official programme, Rahman will also participate in two side events.

On Sept. 23, he will attend a high-level event on the Rohingya crisis, where he is expected to call for stronger international support to facilitate the safe, voluntary, and sustainable repatriation of displaced Rohingya refugees to Myanmar at the earliest opportunity.

On Sept. 24, he will serve as chief guest at another side event focusing on maternal and newborn health and midwifery. He is expected to outline the new government's healthcare priorities, plans to improve maternal and child health services, and the importance of expanding access to skilled midwifery.

During the visit, the prime minister is also scheduled to hold bilateral meetings with several foreign leaders, including the Crown Prince of Kuwait and the prime ministers of Croatia, Bhutan, Thailand, Pakistan, and Haiti.

The discussions are expected to cover political and economic cooperation, trade and investment, development partnerships, and the Rohingya issue, among other matters of mutual interest.

Rahman is also expected to meet UN Secretary-General António Guterres, the President of the European Council, the President of the World Bank Group, the UN Secretary-General's Special Envoy on Myanmar, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, and the President of the International Peace Institute.

As part of Bangladesh's economic diplomacy efforts, the prime minister is also scheduled to meet senior executives from Wall Street firms, Meta, and other international companies. The discussions will focus on promoting Bangladesh as an investment destination, expanding manufacturing and infrastructure development, advancing the technology sector, improving workforce skills, and creating quality employment opportunities for young people.

Prime Minister Rahman is scheduled to depart New York for Dhaka on Sept. 25 aboard an Emirates flight leaving John F. Kennedy International Airport at 11:00 p.m. local time.

The visit marks Rahman's first participation in the United Nations General Assembly as Bangladesh's prime minister and is expected to provide an opportunity to present the new government's political priorities and long-term vision for the country's future before the international community.