Dhaka:Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's address to the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) showcased Bangladesh's political philosophy and future priorities to the international community, according to University Grants Commission (UGC) Chairman Professor Dr Mamun Ahmed.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Dr Mamun Ahmed emphasized that the Prime Minister's speech outlined Bangladesh's current global priorities and the "Bangladesh First" philosophy. He made these remarks while presiding over a discussion organized by Citizens' Forum, Bangladesh, at the International Mother Language Institute.
Former State Minister for Foreign Affairs Abul Hasan Chowdhury, serving as the chief guest, highlighted the Prime Minister's intention to pursue an independent foreign policy centered on national interests. He advocated for the pursuit of the Bangladesh-China-Myanmar economic corridor and stressed the importance of resolving the Rohingya crisis. He also called for Chinese assistance with the Teesta water-sharing issue.
Dhaka University Professor Emeritus Yusuf Haider noted the government's progress within its first six months and underscored the need to address law and order, the energy crisis, and leverage the blue economy in the Bay of Bengal.
Former Jahangirnagar University Vice-Chancellor Professor Kamrul Ahsan pointed out the significance of the Prime Minister's call at the UN for the dignified repatriation of Rohingyas to Myanmar as a central solution to the ongoing crisis.
The discussion also covered the government's diplomatic activities, including the Prime Minister's visits to Malaysia and China and his bilateral meeting with Iran during the UNGA. In his address, Tarique Rahman articulated Bangladesh's stance on various issues, including global peace and security, the Rohingya crisis, Palestine, migration, climate change, and multilateral cooperation.