Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman joined the opening proceedings of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Tuesday, marking his participation in the UN’s premier global diplomatic forum.
Rahman arrived in New York on Monday night to attend the General Assembly session. Earlier, he also attended a breakfast hosted at the invitation of the UN secretary-general.
According to the Prime Minister’s Office, Rahman is expected to highlight issues including people’s rights, inclusive development, Bangladesh’s national interests and the country’s future development priorities during his engagements at the United Nations.
Speaking at a press conference at the Hyatt Grand Central New York hotel after the prime minister’s arrival, Prime Minister’s Office spokesperson Mahdi Amin said Rahman would present Bangladesh’s priorities and vision on the international stage.
“Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has come to New York on a historic visit,” Amin said, describing the trip as the first such UN visit by a prime minister of a government elected through a representative electoral process after a long period.
Referring to Bangladesh’s political history, Amin said former President Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia had previously represented Bangladesh’s interests and vision on the international stage. He said Rahman would continue that tradition by presenting Bangladesh’s interests and priorities at the United Nations.
The prime minister is scheduled to deliver his address to the UN General Assembly on Thursday.
Short visit with limited delegation
Amin said the prime minister’s visit would be significantly shorter than previous official trips. Excluding travel days, Rahman is expected to stay in New York for four working days and participate in a number of bilateral and multilateral meetings.
He said the official delegation accompanying the prime minister consists of around 35 people, in addition to essential media, security and personal staff.
Rahman’s wife, Dr Zubaida Rahman, is also accompanying him on the visit.
Focus on UN engagements
Rahman’s formal programme began on Tuesday. Asked whether he would have a separate meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump during the visit, Foreign Affairs State Minister Humayun Kabir said the main purpose of the trip was participation in the UN General Assembly and that there would be limited scope for a separate bilateral meeting.
The press conference was also attended by Prime Minister’s Press Secretary Saleh Shibli, Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Ruman and Bangladesh’s Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations Wahiduzzaman.
The prime minister’s visit comes as world leaders gather in New York for the 81st UN General Assembly, with international discussions focusing on global peace and security, development, climate change, economic cooperation and other pressing international issues.
