Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is set to leave for New York early Monday to attend the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), where he will deliver his first address to the world body as prime minister and hold a series of high-level and bilateral meetings.
The Prime Minister is scheduled to leave Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport around 5:50am for John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York via Istanbul on a Turkish Airlines flight.
He is scheduled to arrive at JFK Airport around 5:55pm local time and stay at the Hyatt Grand Central New York during his visit, according to officials.
Tarique Rahman is scheduled to address the UN General Assembly on September 24, marking his first speech at the world body since becoming prime minister.
He will be the third member of his family to address the UN General Assembly, following former President Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia.
The Prime Minister, who will lead a relatively small delegation, is scheduled to stay in New York until September 25 and attend a series of high-level meetings and diplomatic engagements on the sidelines of the General Assembly.
The General Debate of the 81st session will be held from September 22 to 26 and on September 28 at the UN Headquarters in New York. The theme of this year's session is “Restoring trust, managing transformation: A United Nations that delivers for all.”
Bangladesh's Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman is presiding over the 81st session of the General Assembly after being elected president of the session in June.
During his brief visit, the Prime Minister is scheduled to hold more than a dozen bilateral and high-level meetings with world leaders and senior officials on the sidelines of the UNGA.
He is also scheduled to meet UN Secretary-General António Guterres, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk, UN High Commissioner for Refugees Barham Salih, European Council President António Costa, World Bank President Ajay Banga and Boeing Global President Brendan Nelson.
Tarique Rahman is also scheduled to attend a dinner hosted by US President Donald Trump for heads of state and government at The New York Palace hotel on September 22.
State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir said the Prime Minister's UNGA address will focus on Bangladesh's new vision, democratic transition and aspirations.
“He will have a very busy schedule in New York,” Kobir said, adding that Tarique Rahman will hold meetings with world leaders on the sidelines of the General Assembly.
The Rohingya crisis will also receive prominent attention during the visit, with Bangladesh planning a high-level side event on the issue.
“There will be a high-level discussion or meeting on the Rohingya crisis as part of the visit. It is a major priority for us,” the state minister said.
Asked whether the UN Refugee Convention will be discussed, he said the government will focus on the broader Rohingya crisis during the visit.
On the possibility of a meeting between Tarique Rahman and US President Donald Trump, Kobir said such engagements are often finalised at the last moment during major international conferences.
“The primary focus of the Prime Minister's visit is to address the UN General Assembly,” he said, adding that details of the Prime Minister's meetings to be held on the sidelines will be known in due course.
State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam said the 81st UN General Assembly will provide Bangladesh with an opportunity to present its national interests, economic potential and development priorities to the international community.
“It marks a new journey, a new possibility and a new aspiration,” she said.
Shama Obaed said the government's “Bangladesh First” foreign policy will guide the Prime Minister's engagements, with an emphasis on presenting Bangladesh internationally as a democratic, confident and responsible country.
The Rohingya crisis will receive particular attention, she said, with a dedicated session planned during the General Assembly involving the Prime Minister.
The state minister said the crisis has become increasingly complex due to the roles of Myanmar authorities, the Arakan Army, regional actors and competing international interests.
“In fact, the problem has deepened. A regional complication has been created. Without international pressure, resolving this problem will become very difficult,” she said.
Shama Obaed called for greater international support for a sustainable solution and urged Bangladeshis abroad and civil-society representatives to help mobilise that support.
“The Rohingya crisis is a big problem for Bangladesh. But it is not Bangladesh's problem. The problem was not created by Bangladesh,” she said.
Tight security in New York
New York has tightened security around the United Nations headquarters ahead of the arrival of world leaders for the 81st UN General Assembly.
The New York Police Department, US Secret Service and State Department's Diplomatic Security Service are coordinating security arrangements for foreign dignitaries, with heightened police presence around the UN headquarters. New York City officials said there are no known specific or credible threats against the General Assembly or the city, while security measures have been increased as a standard precaution.
New York City has also issued a “Gridlock Alert” for September 21-25, warning of extensive street closures and traffic delays across Manhattan during the UNGA week.
First Avenue and other streets around the UN headquarters will face closures and rolling restrictions as motorcades carrying heads of state and other senior officials move through the area.
City authorities have advised residents and visitors to use public transportation and other non-driving options during the UNGA week.
Supporters prepare to welcome PM
Meanwhile, Tarique Rahman's arrival has generated enthusiasm among BNP leaders, activists and supporters living in New York and other US states.
BNP supporters have been gathering in Jackson Heights in the afternoons in recent days, holding processions and chanting slogans ahead of the Prime Minister's arrival.
Waliullah Miraz, a BNP leader living in New York, said Tarique Rahman's visit is a major occasion for BNP supporters and that many leaders, activists and supporters have travelled from different states to see the Prime Minister in person and welcome him.
“Tarique Rahman is coming to New York. It is a major occasion for us. Many leaders, activists and supporters of the BNP and its affiliated organisations have come here from different states,” he said, adding that the only objective is to see the leader in person and welcome him up close.
Sabbir Ahmed, who travelled from California, said Tarique Rahman's first address to the UN General Assembly as Bangladesh's prime minister will be an important occasion.
“We are eagerly waiting to hear him present Bangladesh's new vision and plans for a new Bangladesh before world leaders,” he said.
Sabbir said the Prime Minister's UNGA address will mark a new chapter for Tarique Rahman following the participation of Ziaur Rahman and Khaleda Zia in international diplomacy.
The Prime Minister is scheduled to return home on September 25.