Dhaka: State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam emphasized that the forthcoming United Nations General Assembly session will serve as a pivotal platform for Bangladesh to assert its national interests and showcase its economic potential and development priorities. This opportunity arises under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. Speaking at a discussion entitled "Upcoming UNGA and Branding of Bangladesh," organized by the Centre for Non-Resident Bangladeshi (Centre for NRB), she underscored the session as a new journey and aspiration for Bangladesh.
According to United News of Bangladesh, Prime Minister Tarique will attend the UNGA for the first time since the inception of the new democratic regime. In alignment with the "Bangladesh First" foreign policy, Rahman aims to portray Bangladesh as a democratic, confident, and responsible nation on the global stage. The high-level segment of the 81st UNGA session is set to commence in New York on September 21, marking a significant moment for the country.
State Minister Shama Obaed underlined that Bangladesh should not be pigeonholed internationally by natural disasters or undocumented migrant issues. Instead, the nation has considerable prospects in tourism, business, and investment that deserve international recognition. Highlighting Bangladesh's potential on the world map requires collective effort beyond government initiatives, she noted.
The session's importance is further magnified by the fact that Bangladesh's Foreign Minister, Dr. Khalilur Rahman, will preside over the General Assembly. This is a matter of national pride, especially as Bangladesh's election victory came despite Cyprus's long-standing efforts to secure the position. Dr. Khalilur's presidency will coincide with crucial moments for the UN, including the selection of a new secretary-general.
The 81st session of the General Assembly will officially open on September 8, with global leaders expected to gather in New York later in the month for the annual high-level general debate. Shama credited Bangladesh's diplomatic efforts, particularly by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the New York mission, for contributing to this achievement.
As the UNGA session presents a unique opportunity, Shama also addressed the Rohingya crisis, stating that a special session will be held with Prime Minister Tarique's participation. The complexity of the crisis involves multiple regional and international actors, making it imperative for international pressure to resolve the issue.
In discussing the government's economic priorities, Shama remarked on the administration's commitment to economic diplomacy. She highlighted efforts to restore a "broken economy," improve transparency in the banking sector, and create an investor-friendly environment for both foreign and non-resident Bangladeshi investors. Initiatives such as simplifying investment procedures through digital services are underway to enhance the ease of doing business.
Shama expressed concern over illegal migration, stressing the government's high regard for expatriate Bangladeshis while addressing the challenges posed by broker networks. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in collaboration with the International Organization for Migration, is tackling these issues, with the newly established Migration Wing focusing on illegal migration and expatriate concerns.
The State Minister also highlighted the government's focus on economic diversification, particularly in the energy and Blue Economy sectors. Additionally, the introduction of the Creative Economy as a new sector in the budget aims to integrate Bangladesh's cultural heritage into the global economy.
Centre for NRB Chairperson M S Shekil Chowdhury remarked that the event is part of an annual World Conference Series intended to showcase Bangladesh's developments and encourage expatriate investment and legal remittance channels.