PM UNGA debut to shape new diplomatic pitch
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman will make his debut appearance at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) this week, using his first visit to New York as premier to project Bangladesh’s diplomatic priorities on democracy, climate justice, the Rohingya crisis, economic cooperation and reform of the multilateral system.
The Prime Minister is scheduled to leave Dhaka on Monday and return on the night of 25 September, with a tightly packed programme featuring the 81st UNGA, bilateral meetings with foreign leaders and engagements with senior international officials and business representatives.
Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam outlined the programme at a curtain-raiser briefing at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Sunday, describing the visit as an opportunity to present Bangladesh as a “democratic, self-reliant, responsible and peace-loving” country.
He said the UNGA was being held amid growing geopolitical tensions, regional conflicts, climate change, forced displacement and economic inequality, while the international community was approaching the 2030 deadline for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
Against this backdrop, Bangladesh would emphasise the peaceful resolution of disputes through dialogue and international law, while seeking stronger international cooperation through the multilateral system, Siam said.
The Prime Minister’s programme will begin on 22 September with his participation in a welcome breakfast hosted by the UN Secretary-General for heads of state and government, followed by the formal opening of the General Assembly.
In the evening, Tarique Rahman will attend a reception hosted by US President Donald Trump for visiting world leaders and their spouses.
On 23 September, the Prime Minister will host a breakfast discussion with representatives of international humanitarian and charitable organisations before addressing a high-level session on tackling global inequality, co-hosted by Brazil, South Africa, Norway and Spain.
He will also participate in a session convened by the UN Secretary-General on “Climate Action and the Just Transition”, keeping climate change high on Bangladesh’s diplomatic agenda.
On 24 September, the Prime Minister will deliver the opening remarks at a high-level meeting on sea-level rise and its existential threats, convened by the President of the General Assembly.
Bangladesh will use the meeting to call for greater climate finance, adaptation assistance, technology transfer and Loss and Damage financing, while highlighting climate justice for vulnerable countries.
The centrepiece of the visit will be Tarique’s address to the UN General Debate on the afternoon of 24 September. According to Siam, the Prime Minister will deliver his speech in Bengali.
His address is expected to outline the new government’s priorities, including democratic governance, the rule of law, accountability, international peace and security, climate change, sustainable development and economic cooperation.
Youth and women’s empowerment, education, healthcare, equitable access to modern technology and reform of the multilateral system will also feature.
The Rohingya crisis will receive particular attention. Bangladesh will host a high-level side event on 23 September, where the Prime Minster will seek stronger international support for the safe, voluntary and sustainable repatriation of Rohingyas to Myanmar.
Beyond the UNGA, the Prime Minister is scheduled to hold bilateral meetings with the Crown Prince of Kuwait and the prime ministers of Croatia, Bhutan, Thailand, Pakistan and Haiti.
He is also due to meet the UN Secretary-General, President of the European Council, President of the World Bank Group, UN High Commissioner for Refugees, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, UN Special Envoy on Myanmar and President of the International Peace Institute.
Economic diplomacy will form another key component of the visit, with the Prime Minister’s scheduled to meet senior representatives from Wall Street, Meta and other prominent business enterprises.
Bangladesh will use these engagements to highlight its investment potential, manufacturing capacity, infrastructure development, technological prospects and human-resource base.
“We want to present Bangladesh’s investment potential and the opportunities that exist in the country,” Siam said.
Asked about the reported possibility of Rahman attending a dinner hosted by Trump and a proposed agreement to purchase 11 additional Boeing aircraft, the Foreign Secretary said the programme remained subject to change.
“When heads of state or government attend multilateral conferences, the programme that is prepared is a work in progress,” he said.
“It is not that everything we have determined will necessarily happen and nothing will be dropped.”
He added that engagements not included in the initial programme could subsequently be added. “Again, among the things that we have not determined, some may be included. So, it is a continuing process. All options remain open,” Siam said.
He did not confirm the reported Boeing agreement, reiterating that the programme was still evolving.
The 35-member official delegation will include Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman, Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister M Rashiduzzaman Millat and Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Md Asaduzzaman. Political leaders Saiful Huq, general secretary of the Revolutionary Workers Party, and Golam Mohiuddin Ikram, secretary general of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam, will also accompany the delegation.
Responding to questions about the relatively short visit, Siam said Rahman would stay “for as much time as is necessary for an effective visit”.
“The programme is fully back-to-back. I believe the duration of the visit and the way the time is being utilised will attract appropriate attention,” he said.
On security, Siam said appropriate arrangements had been made for the Bangladeshi delegation in the US, with Bangladeshi officials maintaining continuous coordination with relevant US authorities.
