New York:Dhaka: Prime Minister Tarique Rahman returned home this morning following a five-day visit to New York, where he attended the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). During his stay, he delivered his first address at the General Debate and participated in a series of bilateral and multilateral meetings.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the Prime Minister's Emirates flight landed at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 8:21 am. He was accompanied by his wife, Dr. Zubaida Rahman, and other members of his entourage. At the airport, he was received by several dignitaries, including Local Government, Rural Development and Co-operatives Minister Dr. Abdul Moyeen Khan and Chief Whip Nurul Islam Moni.
During his visit, Prime Minister Rahman engaged in 30 events, which included 11 bilateral meetings with leaders from various countries, eight UNGA-related engagements, and 11 institutional meetings. He and his team represented Bangladesh in approximately 80 engagements in total.
A highlight of his diplomatic efforts was a series of meetings with heads of state and government from seven countries, focusing on strengthening bilateral relations and expanding trade and investment. In discussions with leaders such as Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Pakistani Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, topics included economic cooperation and regional issues.
Prime Minister Rahman's address to the UNGA on September 24 emphasized Bangladesh's commitment to global peace and the importance of dialogue and cooperation in resolving conflicts. He also presented the government's 3-R strategy: Recovery, Restoration, and Reconstruction, aiming to build a prosperous and democratic Bangladesh.
The ongoing Rohingya crisis was a significant focus of the Prime Minister's engagements, with calls for stronger international support for their repatriation to Myanmar. He discussed the issue with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and other officials, emphasizing the need for safe and dignified returns.
Climate change was another critical area of focus. At high-level meetings, the Prime Minister urged for more substantial international efforts in emission reductions and climate finance. Additionally, a Bangladesh-Sweden-UNFPA event highlighted his vision for a "Healthy Bangladesh" through healthcare reforms.
The visit also included economic diplomacy efforts, with a breakfast meeting hosted by JPMorgan Chase to discuss Bangladesh's economic future. An agreement between Biman Bangladesh Airlines and Boeing was signed during the trip to purchase 11 new aircraft as part of expanding the country's aviation sector.
Overall, the visit was marked by extensive engagements aimed at strengthening Bangladesh's international partnerships and addressing key global challenges.