Prime Minister Tarique Rahman Set for UN Address on September 24 Amid Busy New York Schedule

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is in New York to attend the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly. Ahead of his address to the General Debate on September 24, he is taking part in a series of high-level meetings, bilateral discussions and side events.

The Rohingya crisis, climate change, global inequality, economic cooperation, and maternal and child health are among the key issues on his agenda.

The prime minister arrived in New York on September 21. The following day, he attended a welcome breakfast hosted by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and joined the opening activities of the 81st General Assembly session.

Focus on Rohingya Crisis and Climate Change

On September 23, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is scheduled to attend a breakfast meeting with representatives of international donor and humanitarian organizations. He is also expected to join a meeting on addressing the global inequality crisis, jointly organized by Brazil, South Africa, Norway and Spain.

The prime minister will also participate in the high-level meeting titled “Climate Action and the Just Transition,” convened at the initiative of the UN secretary-general. Bangladesh is expected to highlight issues including climate finance, adaptation, technology transfer, loss and damage, and climate justice.

Another key event will be a Bangladesh-hosted side event on the Rohingya crisis. The prime minister is expected to call for stronger international cooperation to facilitate the safe and speedy repatriation of Rohingya refugees to Myanmar.

Renewing Confidence in the United Nations

Dr. Khalilur Rahman, president of the 81st UN General Assembly and Bangladesh’s foreign minister, has emphasized the need to rebuild confidence in the United Nations and make the organization more effective in addressing changing global realities.

He has stressed the importance of being realistic about existing challenges, pursuing necessary reforms and ensuring broader participation in decision-making. He also noted that such reforms would require sustained efforts over the long term rather than immediate solutions.

Main Focus: September 24 Address

The prime minister’s schedule on September 24 includes a high-level meeting on addressing existential threats arising from rising sea levels, where he is scheduled to deliver the opening remarks.

He will also attend a Bangladesh-hosted side event on maternal and newborn health and midwifery as the chief guest. The event is expected to focus on maternal and child healthcare and the importance of skilled midwifery services.

The highlight of the day will be Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s address to the UN General Assembly General Debate. He is scheduled to speak at around 5:30 p.m. New York time, with 15 minutes allocated for the speech, although the schedule may change.

According to the Foreign Ministry, his address is expected to cover Bangladesh’s democratic journey, the rule of law and accountability, global peace and security, climate change, sustainable development, economic cooperation, empowerment of women and youth, education and healthcare, the Rohingya crisis, and reform of the multilateral system.

Bilateral Meetings with World Leaders

On the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, the prime minister is scheduled to hold bilateral meetings with leaders of several countries and senior officials of international organizations. His programme includes meetings with the prime ministers of Croatia, Bhutan, Thailand, Pakistan and Haiti, as well as a meeting with the Crown Prince of Kuwait.

He is also scheduled to meet the UN secretary-general, the president of the European Council, the president of the World Bank Group, the UN secretary-general’s special envoy on Myanmar, and UN officials dealing with refugee and human rights issues.

As part of economic diplomacy, the prime minister is also expected to meet representatives of Wall Street and various business organizations. Discussions are likely to focus on investment, manufacturing, infrastructure, technology, skills development and employment opportunities in Bangladesh.

Prime Minister Expected to Leave New York on September 25

On September 25, the final day of his visit, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is scheduled to attend a breakfast meeting with Wall Street representatives at JPMorgan’s New York office. He is also expected to hold a bilateral meeting with the Crown Prince of Kuwait and attend a luncheon with Prince Zeid Al Hussein.

Following a meeting with BNP leaders living in the United States, the prime minister is scheduled to leave New York. He is expected to depart for Dhaka via Dubai on Emirates flight EK202 at 11:00 p.m. on September 25 and arrive in Dhaka on September 27.

Meanwhile, BNP leaders, activists and supporters living in New York gathered at various points from John F. Kennedy International Airport to the prime minister’s hotel to welcome him. Carrying party flags and banners, they greeted the prime minister and later gathered outside the hotel, where they welcomed him with slogans and applause.