Mirpur: Prime Minister Tarique Rahman will carry the message of a "New Bangladesh" and its progress to the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir said today. "The Prime Minister will go to the United Nations with the message of the progress of a New Bangladesh," he told journalists at a hotel in the city this morning.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Kobir also mentioned the possibility of a meeting between Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and US President Donald Trump during the UNGA engagements. Discussing Bangladesh-India relations, the state minister noted that discussions were underway regarding a potential visit by the Prime Minister to India, though no date had been finalized. Despite outstanding issues, Dhaka remains committed to resolving differences through dialogue and maintaining constructive relations with New Delhi.
Kobir emphasized the importance of maintaining good relations with India as a neighbor, stating that the door for dialogue remains open despite various problems between the two countries. Turning to the energy sector, the state minister criticized what he described as 'psychopathic corruption' during the previous government, highlighting the irregularities in the sector. He assured that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is prioritizing energy security and the government is working sincerely to resolve the existing challenges.
Regarding the proposed Mecca Pact, Kobir said discussions were ongoing and Bangladesh's participation in such an arrangement would not be unusual, as many countries engage in multiple security arrangements. He stressed that Bangladesh's decisions would be guided by its national interests.
Kobir responded to a question about purchasing Boeing aircraft from the United States, clarifying that no pressure was being applied on Bangladesh to buy the aircraft. The purchase decision is based on demand, and more aircraft will be acquired if necessary. On the topic of Bangladesh's labor market in Malaysia, the state minister stated that syndicates operating during the Awami League government had negatively impacted the recruitment of Bangladeshi workers. The current government has dismantled those syndicates, and workers will now be sent to Malaysia in phases.
Addressing reports of Bangladeshi nationals being denied hotel accommodation in Kolkata, leading to them spending nights on the streets, Kobir assured that the foreign ministry would take necessary action if specific cases were brought to its attention. Lawmaker Emran Ahmed Chowdhury and BNP Central Assistant Organising Secretary Miftah Siddiqui were present at the briefing.