Prime Minister Tarique Rahman left Dhaka early Monday for New York to attend the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), where he is scheduled to deliver his first address as prime minister.

Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) Spokesperson Mahdi Amin highlighted the short visit and the relatively small delegation in a post on his verified Facebook page.

In the post titled “Smallest delegation. Shortest trip. Prime Minister heads to UN on regular commercial flight,” Mahdi said the Prime Minister is travelling on a regular commercial flight and will spend one day travelling to the United States, one day returning and four days in between attending bilateral and multilateral meetings, high-level UN programmes and diplomatic engagements.

“All in all, it is a six-day visit. The official delegation comprises only 35 members. Of them, 15 are ministers, state ministers, advisers and special assistants. The delegation also includes essential personnel assigned to security, media and personal duties,” he said.

Describing the visit as focused on work rather than ceremony, Mahdi said: “No lavish ceremonies; work for the people. No display of power; protection of Bangladesh’s interests.”

He also described the visit as a special moment in the country’s history.

The PMO spokesperson said Tarique Rahman will be the third member of his family to represent Bangladesh at the United Nations, following his father Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman and mother former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia.

“As the third member of the same family to represent Bangladesh there, he will speak about the aspirations of the people of Bangladesh, the country’s interests, the government’s policies and its plans for the future,” he said.

Mahdi also highlighted the fact that Bangladesh’s Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman is serving as president of the 81st session of the UN General Assembly.

Referring to Bangladesh’s political transition, he said a democratic government has taken charge of running the country after what he described as two decades of “sacrifice, struggle, movements and the mass uprising”.

“With a huge mandate, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is taking the voice of the people of Bangladesh to the world,” the PMO spokesperson said.

“This is not merely a foreign trip. It is not merely about representing Bangladesh at the United Nations. It is an international expression of the aspirations of the people. It carries a legacy of emotion, sentiment and ideals. It marks the beginning of a new chapter on the world stage concerning Bangladesh’s interests, dignity and future,” he said.

The Prime Minister is scheduled to address the UN General Assembly on September 24.