United News of Bangladesh

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is set to make his first address to the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on September 24, highlighting Bangladesh’s vision and priorities as he attends the 81st session of the global forum in New York. Tarique Rahman will leave for New York on September 21 and stay there until September 25, with a packed schedule of high-level meetings and diplomatic engagements on the sidelines of the UNGA session. The Prime Minister, who will be accompanied by a relatively small delegation, is expected to use the visit to outline Bangladesh's vision for the future and articulate its priorities before world leaders. "I believe this visit will create a significant opportunity to showcase the new journey of Bangladesh's new government on the global stage, while also expanding bilateral and multilateral cooperation," Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam told reporters on Sunday at a media briefing at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Through this, he said, they aim to convey to the world the message of a democratic, self-confident, responsible, peace-loving, and promising Bangladesh. Bangladesh's participation in this session holds special significance in several respects, said the Foreign Secretary. Firstly, he said, this marks the current government's first participation in the United Nations' highest global forum. "It offers an opportunity to present the new government's political commitments and the vision for a future Bangladesh to the global community," said the Foreign Secretary. Secondly, he said, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman will represent Bangladesh at the UN General Assembly for the first time. "Furthermore, Bangladesh's Foreign Minister will serve as the President of this very session. Thus, this is not only a rare and historic moment for us but also a matter of distinct prestige and pride," Siam said. Thirdly, he said, on the sidelines of the session, the Prime Minister will hold important meetings with heads of state and government from various nations, as well as with top officials of international organizations. "These meetings will create new opportunities to strengthen bilateral relations and cooperation."