PM leaves New York after attending UNGA programme
PM Tarique Rahman. Collected photo.
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has left New York for home after concluding a five-day USA visit for attending the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
An Emirates flight carrying the Prime Minister departed from John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York for Dhaka via Dubai at 11:19 PM local time. His wife, Dr. Zubaida Rahman, and accompanying delegation members are traveling with him.
The Prime Minister's Press Secretary, Saleh Shibly, confirmed the information. The flight carrying the Prime Minister is scheduled to reach Dubai at 8:00 PM today (September 26). Departing Dubai at 2:00 AM, the Prime Minister is scheduled to arrive at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka at 8:40 AM on September 27.
During the visit, the Prime Minister addressed the General Debate of the UN General Assembly in Bangla for the first time. In his speech, he highlighted Bangladesh's stance and priorities on various matters, including global peace and security, climate change, sustainable development, humanitarian crises, economic cooperation, and the Rohingya crisis.
In his address delivered on September 24, the Prime Minister reaffirmed Bangladesh's support for UN initiatives aimed at establishing global humanity and peace. He emphasized dialogue, diplomacy, and mutual cooperation to resolve conflicts.
He expressed his commitment to building a prosperous, self-reliant, and welfare-oriented democratic Bangladesh by ensuring political and economic empowerment for the people alongside equal opportunities for all. To this end, he outlined the government's "Recovery, Restoration, and Reconstruction" (Three-R) strategy.
Regarding the Rohingya crisis, the Prime Minister said that safe and dignified repatriation remains the only sustainable solution to this long-standing issue. He sought stronger support from the international community to create conditions conducive to voluntary repatriation.
During the visit, he held separate meetings with the UN Secretary-General's Special Envoy on Myanmar, Julie Bishop, and the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Barham Salih.
In a meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, the Prime Minister discussed expanding Bangladesh-Turkey trade and investment while exploring new areas of economic cooperation. The need for coordination on various regional and international issues was also emphasized.
In separate meetings with Bhutanese Prime Minister Dasho Tshering Tobgay and Maldivian Vice President Hussain Mohamed Latheef, the Prime Minister discussed strengthening existing friendly ties alongside exploring new areas of bilateral, regional, and international cooperation.
During a meeting with World Bank Group President Ajay Banga, discussions focused on Bangladesh's development priorities, economic progress, strengthening World Bank assistance, and identifying new avenues for partnership.
On September 22, the Prime Minister and his wife attended a welcome breakfast hosted by UN Secretary-General António Guterres in honor of world leaders and their spouses. Later, they joined a reception hosted by the US President for leaders attending the UN General Assembly.
On September 23, the Prime Minister participated in a breakfast meeting with representatives from the Gates Foundation, Visa Foundation, Rockefeller Foundation, International Rescue Committee, and Rotary International. During the meeting, Bangladesh's perspectives on humanitarian challenges, international cooperation, climate change, sustainable development, and economic partnerships were highlighted.
During this time, the Prime Minister also held a meeting with Mark Suzman, CEO of the Gates Foundation. The discussion focused on public health, child care, vaccination, affordable vaccines, preventive healthcare, and the modernization of healthcare systems.
The Prime Minister also delivered a speech at a high-level meeting titled "Climate Action and the Just Transition." He called for collective global action, rapid and substantial reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, and predictable climate financing for climate-vulnerable countries to build a safe and sustainable future for upcoming generations.
In a meeting with Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković, key focus was placed on expanding trade and investment, economic partnerships, skilled manpower, education and technology, and strengthening cooperation in multilateral forums.
As part of Bangladesh's economic diplomacy during the visit, an agreement was signed with Boeing for Biman Bangladesh Airlines to purchase 11 aircraft. This highlighted initiatives aimed at expanding the country's aviation sector and launching new international routes.
On September 24, the Prime Minister delivered the opening remarks at a high-level meeting on the existential threat posed by sea-level rise. He called for rapid and deep global carbon emission cuts, predictable and accessible adaptation finance, widespread use of climate-resilient technologies, and enhanced international cooperation.
In a bilateral meeting with Pakistani Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, both leaders discussed bilateral relations, the regional and international situation, and potential areas of cooperation.
At a high-level event on midwifery co-hosted by Bangladesh, Sweden, and UNFPA, the Prime Minister outlined his plan for building a "Healthy Bangladesh." He said that primary healthcare is being kept as the central pillar for health sector reforms.
He announced that the government plans to recruit an additional 100,000 healthcare workers, including 80,000 women and 25,000 professional midwives. Additionally, the Prime Minister shared his plans to build an integrated digital health system.
During a bilateral meeting with UN Secretary-General António Guterres, the Secretary-General expressed gratitude for Bangladesh's role in sheltering Rohingya refugees and its contributions to UN peacekeeping operations. He also commended Bangladesh's role in climate resilience and multilateral activities.
The Prime Minister also met with Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul. Later, he attended a dinner hosted by Bangladesh's Permanent Representative to the UN.
On the final day of his New York visit today, the Prime Minister attended a breakfast meeting in Manhattan organized by JPMorgan at its headquarters with Wall Street representatives. Later, he held a bilateral meeting with the Crown Prince of Kuwait, Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah.
Throughout this five-day visit, alongside participating in various programs of the UN General Assembly, the Prime Minister held meetings with several heads of state and government, international organizations, and representatives of economic and development partner institutions.he Prime Minister also met with Haitian Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé. Discussions covered bilateral relations, mutual interests, and regional and international cooperation.
