United States
Trump blasts UN, presses Greenland control in rare White House briefing
President Donald Trump delivered a rare, nearly two-hour-long appearance at a White House press briefing on Tuesday, using the platform to highlight what he described as his administration’s achievements, criticise the United Nations and double down on his push for the United States to take control of Greenland, a move that has drawn sharp resistance from America’s European allies.
The extended briefing came on the anniversary of Trump’s inauguration and a day before he is scheduled to address global leaders, billionaires and policymakers at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. His trip comes at a time of rising tensions with NATO allies over his aggressive posture on Greenland and his threat to impose new retaliatory tariffs on several European countries.
During the wide-ranging and often meandering session with reporters, Trump leafed through a thick packet of documents that he said listed hundreds of accomplishments from his first year back in office. He claimed his administration had achieved more than any previous government in a similar period and said it would take more than a week to read through the full list.
At several points, Trump turned his focus to foreign policy, renewing his argument that the United States must take control of Greenland for national security reasons, citing concerns about growing strategic competition in the Arctic. While he struck a slightly more conciliatory tone near the end of the briefing, saying Washington and NATO would “work something out,” he repeated his view that U.S. control of the territory is necessary.
Trump also took aim at the United Nations, saying the global body has failed to live up to its potential and has been ineffective in resolving conflicts. He promoted his idea of a Trump-led “Board of Peace,” initially conceived as a small group of world leaders to oversee the Gaza ceasefire plan, but now envisioned as a broader body that could help mediate international disputes.
“The United Nations just hasn’t been very helpful,” Trump said, adding that while he believes the organisation should continue, his proposed board could one day play a major role in peacemaking efforts.
The president’s remarks come as European leaders have warned that his threats to impose new tariffs on countries backing Denmark over Greenland could trigger a major trade dispute and strain long-standing trans-Atlantic ties. France and several other EU members have already signalled they are prepared to respond if Washington moves ahead with punitive measures.
Trump said his speech in Davos on Wednesday would focus on what he called the “tremendous success” of his administration and would recap progress made over the past year. The White House has previously said his address would centre on his affordability agenda, particularly housing, in an effort to convince Americans that his policies can ease cost-of-living pressures.
Speaking to reporters, Trump said other countries needed to hear his views on energy and immigration and suggested that his leadership had brought stability in several conflict zones, a claim that has been disputed by critics and fact-checkers.
The marathon briefing, marked by frequent digressions and a mix of domestic and foreign policy topics, underscored Trump’s combative style and his willingness to use high-profile appearances to press his most controversial priorities.
With European leaders already gathered in Davos and Greenland expected to dominate the agenda, Trump’s appearance at the forum is likely to be closely watched for signs of whether he will seek to defuse tensions or continue his hardline approach.
11 hours ago
Trump warns of ‘very strong action’ if Iran executes protesters
US President Donald Trump has warned that the United States will take ‘very strong action’ against Iran if it carries out executions of protesters, after earlier assuring Iranians that “help is on the way.”
The warning comes as relatives of 26-year-old Erfan Soltani, detained last week, told BBC Persian that he is scheduled for execution today.
A US-based rights group says more than 2,400 anti-government demonstrators have been killed in a violent crackdown by Iranian authorities.
Trump has been considering military and other measures in response, having already imposed 25% tariffs on any country trading with Iran.
Read More: Donald Trump halts all new student visa interviews
Meanwhile, Iran’s government accused the US of trying to “manufacture a pretext for military intervention,” noting that “this playbook has failed before.”
Although some Iranians are now able to make phone calls abroad, an ongoing internet blackout is hindering verification of information from inside the country.
7 days ago
Reza Pahlavi returns to spotlight as protests shake Iran
Iran’s exiled crown prince Reza Pahlavi, whose father was overthrown nearly five decades ago, is once again seeking a role in shaping Iran’s future as nationwide protests challenge the country’s Islamic rulers.
Pahlavi, 65, has lived in exile in the United States since the 1979 Islamic Revolution forced his father, Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, from power after mass uprisings across the country. Though the monarchy was widely despised for corruption, repression and deep inequality, Pahlavi is now trying to position himself as an alternative to Iran’s struggling theocracy.
Iran’s supreme leader warns of harsh response as protests continue
He recently called on Iranians to return to the streets, helping trigger large demonstrations that began over economic hardship but have evolved into a broader challenge to the Islamic Republic. The protests come after years of unrest and a recent 12-day conflict with Israel that included U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities.
It remains unclear how much genuine support Pahlavi commands inside Iran. Some protesters may favor a return to monarchy, while others simply want an end to clerical rule. Iranian state media dismissed the unrest as the work of “monarchist terrorists” and accused Pahlavi’s supporters of violence.
Born into privilege in 1960, Pahlavi grew up in Tehran’s royal palaces and was educated at a private school inside Niavaran Palace. His father’s rule, strengthened by a 1953 CIA-backed coup, relied heavily on U.S. support and a feared intelligence service known for torturing dissidents. Rising oil wealth in the 1970s failed to prevent widening inequality, and millions eventually took to the streets against the monarchy.
As protests intensified, Pahlavi left Iran in 1978 for flight training in the United States. A year later, the shah fled the country and Shiite clerics consolidated power, establishing the Islamic Republic and executing thousands of opponents. After his father’s death in 1980, royalists in exile declared Reza Pahlavi the new shah.
Since then, Pahlavi has spent decades abroad, mainly in the U.S., trying to maintain influence. His efforts included a brief clandestine television broadcast into Iran in the 1980s. However, memories of his father’s rule, repression inside Iran and perceptions that he is disconnected from everyday life in the country have limited his appeal.
Younger Iranians, born long after the revolution, have grown up under strict social controls, economic crisis, corruption and sanctions. Pahlavi has sought to reach them through social media and foreign-based Persian-language media.
In recent years, he has spoken of a possible constitutional monarchy or another system chosen by Iranians themselves. He has also drawn criticism for his ties to Israel and for meeting Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Iran protests intensify as citizens call for political change
Pahlavi argues the Islamic Republic is beyond reform and says only fundamental change can save Iran. Whether he can become a central figure in that transformation remains uncertain.
11 days ago
4 dead and 10 injured in California shooting
A shooting at a family gathering in a Stockton banquet hall left four people dead and 10 others injured, officials said Saturday (November 29).
San Joaquin County sheriff’s spokesperson Heather Brent confirmed that both children and adults were among the victims and said early reports indicate the attack may have been targeted.
The suspected shooter remains at large, and authorities are appealing to the public for information. “If you know anything about this individual, contact authorities immediately. If you are the suspect, turn yourself in,” District Attorney Ron Freitas said.
Read more: Afghan national arrested after White House-area National Guard shooting
The incident occurred shortly before 6 p.m. at the hall, which shares a parking lot with other businesses. Stockton, located about 40 miles south of Sacramento, has a population of roughly 320,000.
Mayor Christina Fugazzi expressed grief over the tragedy, noting the heartbreak for families forced to watch their loved ones fight for survival in hospitals. Several victims were hospitalized, though officials have not yet released details on their conditions.
Read more: US suspends all asylum decisions following National Guard shooting
1 month ago
US. Airlines cancel 1,000 flights amid FAA-ordered service reductions
Travelers across the United States saw mostly on-time departures Friday (7th November 2025), even as airlines canceled more than 1,000 flights to comply with a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) order tied to the ongoing government shutdown.
Despite a relatively stable day of travel, concern grew over additional cancellations expected in the coming week as the FAA reduces flight operations at major airports. The agency’s order follows a rise in absences among unpaid air traffic controllers, many of whom have gone nearly a month without pay.
While some travelers scrambled to adjust their plans—booking alternative flights or renting cars—the cancellations still represented a small portion of total U.S. air traffic. However, long lines and last-minute disruptions were reported at around 40 major airports, including Atlanta, Dallas, Denver, and Charlotte.
Airlines said they anticipate minimal disruptions through the weekend, and international routes remain unaffected. But Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warned that if the shutdown continues past next week—when controllers miss another paycheck—flight cancellations could rise from 10% to as much as 20%.
Long Lines and Creative Travel Solutions
At Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport, passengers waited in security lines that barely moved. “It was winding through every part of the terminal,” said traveler Cara Bergeron. “I’ve never seen anything like it.”
Read more: Wall Street set to open higher as investors eye earnings amid US shutdown
Other travelers faced bigger challenges. Karen Soika, a surgeon from Connecticut, learned her Newark flight had been moved to JFK Airport—an hour away. When rental cars were unavailable, she decided to rent a U-Haul truck and drive cross-country to Utah, where she is consulting on a TV production. Rental car companies like Hertz reported a sharp uptick in one-way rentals.
Airlines Work to Rebook Passengers
According to flight-tracking site FlightAware, Friday’s 1,000-plus cancellations were about five times Thursday’s total. Reagan National Airport saw the highest impact, with 18% of flights grounded, while O’Hare, Atlanta, Denver, and Dallas-Fort Worth each lost around 3% of scheduled flights.
United and American Airlines said they were able to rebook most passengers quickly, prioritizing cancellations on smaller regional routes to minimize disruptions. Delta canceled roughly 170 flights Friday, American about 220 per day through Monday, and Southwest around 120.
The FAA said the flight reductions will start at 4% of operations at the busiest airports and gradually increase to 10% next week.
“I just don’t want to end up stranded on an airport bench,” said traveler Michele Cuthbert of Columbus, Ohio. “Everyone’s paying the price for politics.”
Experts warn that if the shutdown drags on, cargo shipments could also be affected, since nearly half of U.S. air freight moves in passenger aircraft. “Air travel is a core part of America’s economic infrastructure,” said Greg Raiff, CEO of Elevate Aviation Group. “This will ripple through business, tourism, and freight.”
Why the Cuts Are Happening
The FAA said the service reductions aim to ease the burden on overworked controllers, many of whom are working six days a week with mandatory overtime. As financial stress mounts, more are calling out of work.
“I don’t want to see delays or disruptions,” Secretary Duffy said Friday at Reagan National Airport. “But safety must come first.”
Read more: Asian shares rise on Wall Street gains as tech stocks rally despite U.S. government shutdown
The FAA’s decision comes as the Trump administration continues pressuring Congress to end the government shutdown. Even if an agreement is reached soon, officials said the reduced flight schedules will remain in place until staffing levels stabilize.
At Denver International Airport, officials have opened a food pantry for unpaid federal workers and asked the FAA to approve using airport revenue to cover controller pay—so far, without response.
What Travelers Can Do
Airlines are navigating uncertain territory, said Loyola University Maryland professor Kerry Tan. “The unpredictability of the shutdown makes it difficult for carriers to plan efficiently,” he said.
Passengers are entitled to full refunds for canceled flights, though airlines aren’t obligated to cover hotel or meal costs unless cancellations are within their control, according to the Department of Transportation.
Travel adviser Christina Schlegel of Arlington, Virginia, advised passengers to stay calm, check flight updates regularly, and arrive early. “Think ahead,” she said. “Have a backup plan and know what other flight options are available.”
Read more: Trump embarks on three-nation Asia tour, set to meet Xi as US shutdown persists
2 months ago
Bangladesh firms ink $1.25b deal to expand US soy imports
Bangladesh’s leading soy processors and feed importers have signed agreements worth over $1.25 billion to import US soybeans and soybean meal, aiming to boost the country’s protein and feed industries while narrowing the trade gap with the United States.
The deal, representing nearly 2.5 times the country’s previous US soy purchases, was signed between Bangladesh’s leading soy value chain companies and the United States Soybean Export Council (USSEC) at two ceremonies in a city hotel on Tuesday, attended by importers, mill owners, diplomats, and business leaders.
Participating Bangladeshi companies include Meghna Group of Industries, City Group, Delta Agrofood Industries Ltd, Mahbub Group and KGS Group, all of whom have committed to scaling up imports over the next 12 months.
At the signing ceremony, Kevin M Roepke, USSEC’s Executive Director for the Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia, said the move would deliver a major boost to Bangladesh’s poultry, aquaculture, and dairy sectors.
“We are very proud of our bilateral relationship,” he said, highlighting the role of U.S. soy in ensuring nutrition, quality, and sustainability in Bangladesh’s food systems.
USSEC CEO Jim Sutter echoed the sentiment, calling the agreement a ‘historic milestone’ that deepens economic and nutritional ties between the two nations.
“Our US soybeans play an integral role in the world’s food systems, providing nutrition and food security across borders,” Sutter said in a virtual address, emphasizing that US soybeans' low carbon footprint and zero-deforestation record align with Bangladesh’s growing demand for sustainable inputs.
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“By investing in US soy, you are shaping a better tomorrow, proving that sustainability transcends borders,” he added.
Amirul Haque, Managing Director of Delta Agrofood Industries Ltd, said the US soy deal could pave the way for $3.5 billion in total US imports if crude oil and LPG are added to the mix.
“Higher imports of U.S. products will help reduce Bangladesh's $6 billion trade gap with the USA,” he said.
MGI Director Tanjima Mostafa said Meghna Group plans to import one million tonnes of soybean products this year—the largest single import of its kind in Bangladesh.
“We’re continuing to invest in logistics and focusing on end consumers,” she added.
Echoing the optimism, City Group Managing Director Md Hasan said importing high-quality soybeans in such large quantities would bolster both nutrition and food security across the country.
Tracey Ann Jacobson, Chargé d’Affaires of the US Embassy in Dhaka, said the agreement reflects Washington’s commitment to deepening economic relations with Bangladesh.
“Between 2024 and 2025, we aim to increase agricultural exports to Bangladesh from $779 million to $1 billion,” she said, adding, “today’s signing is part of that effort.”
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Jacobson added that U.S. soybean meal exports to Bangladesh had already surged—from $5 million in 2023 to $20 million in 2024, and are projected to reach $86 million this year.
*She expressed optimism that the growth would continue, citing US soy’s superior quality and its vital role in Bangladesh’s livestock and fisheries sectors.
Under the new partnership, Bangladeshi processors and importers will not only increase soy purchases but also collaborate with USSEC on sustainable sourcing, leveraging the US Soy Sustainability Assurance Protocol (SSAP) to reduce environmental impact.
The deal also supports USSEC’s Right to Protein campaign, promoting awareness about protein consumption and nutritional development in Bangladesh.
Md Taslim Shariar, Deputy General Manager of Meghna Group of Industries, hailed the agreement as a game-changer for the nation’s crushing and feed industries. “This is a milestone for Bangladesh. The more we crush, the more we achieve food security,” he said.
“It accelerates growth in the poultry, feed, and edible oil industries. Bangladesh and US soy grow together—building a legacy of economic resilience, industrial growth, and nutritional excellence for generations to come,” he added.
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), US soybeans ranked as Bangladesh’s No.1 agricultural import in 2024, valued at $350 million. The country has also become South Asia’s strongest market for U.S. soy, with soybean meal imports up 650% year-on-year.
In contrast, Bangladesh’s exports to the US totaled $8.78 billion last year, underscoring a dynamic and expanding bilateral trade partnership.
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Industry insiders say Bangladesh’s processors have long preferred US soy for its consistent quality. “The quality of US soybeans is far better than other origins,” said Delta Agrofood’s Amirul.
2 months ago
Zohran Mamdani elected New York City’s first Muslim mayor
Democrat Zohran Mamdani, a 34-year-old state lawmaker and self-described democratic socialist, has been elected mayor of New York City, becoming the city’s first Muslim leader and its youngest mayor in decades.
Mamdani defeated independent candidate and former Democratic Governor Andrew Cuomo, who sought a political comeback four years after resigning amid scandal. His victory marks a generational and ideological shift in city politics, fueled by grassroots organizing and strong support from young and working-class voters.
President Donald Trump closely followed the race and repeatedly attacked Mamdani, falsely calling him a communist and threatening to withhold federal funds from New York if he won. Trump endorsed Cuomo on the eve of the election, bypassing Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa.
At Mamdani’s victory party, supporters danced to Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us” as tenants’ rights activist Joanne Grill declared, “We beat the millionaires and billionaires — little old us, working-class New Yorkers are taking this city back.”
At Cuomo’s election night gathering, the mood was somber as guests quietly departed while Billy Joel’s “Uptown Girl” played in the background.
Zohran Mamdani defends Muslim identity amid “racist and baseless” attacks
Republican Curtis Sliwa conceded the race but warned that he would “mobilize” his supporters if Mamdani pursued socialist policies. “We will become the mayor-elect and his supporters’ worst enemies,” he said to a cheering crowd, accusing “some of the most powerful people in the world” of opposing his campaign.
In another closely watched contest, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg secured reelection against Republican Maud Maron and independent Diana Florence. Bragg, who oversaw the hush-money case that led to Trump’s historic conviction, focused his campaign on reducing gun violence, prosecuting hate crimes, and expanding mental health services.
Bragg, who avoided mentioning Trump during the campaign, said his office has helped reduce murders and shootings, though his opponents argued he has not been tough enough on crime.
As news of Mamdani’s win spread, jubilant supporters waved New York City flags and chanted his name as Bad Bunny tracks blared — a moment marking a new chapter in the city’s political history.
Read more: Mamdani's political upset inspires hope among South Asian, Muslim New Yorkers
Source: AP
2 months ago
Bangladesh making significant efforts to eliminate trafficking: US
The government of Bangladesh has demonstrated overall increasing efforts to deal with the trafficking in persons compared with the previous reporting period, says the United States (US).
The US in its recently released ‘2025 Trafficking in Persons Report’ said the government of Bangladesh does not fully meet the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking but is ‘making significant efforts’ to do so.
“Therefore, Bangladesh remained on Tier 2,” said the report in its Bangladesh chapter, noting that these efforts included increasing training on the victim identification guidelines and trauma-informed are for frontline officials and formally adopting an NRM (national referral mechanism).
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The government decreased overall law enforcement efforts, the report says, adding that the government maintained efforts to prevent trafficking.
The government identified more trafficking victims and referred them to protection services. However, the government did not meet the minimum standards in several key areas.
The government investigated, prosecuted, and convicted fewer traffickers and did not take adequate steps to address internal trafficking crimes, including sex trafficking and forced child labor, which remained pervasive.
Labor inspectors severely lacked the capacity to adequately monitor informal sectors and hold companies accountable for labor violations.
Victim protection and reintegration efforts remained insufficient, particularly for Rohingya refugees and returning Bangladeshi migrant workers.
The government continued to permit set recruitment fees that rendered many migrant workers indebted, increasing their vulnerability to trafficking.
Prioritised Recommendations
The US report recommended increased efforts to investigate and prosecute trafficking crimes, including complicit officials and seek adequate penalties for convicted traffickers, which should involve significant prison terms.
It also calls for strengthening the capacity of Anti-Trafficking Tribunal personnel to prosecute and adjudicate human trafficking cases, and expand tribunals to heavy caseload areas.
The report called for increasing the availability and quality of protection and reintegration services for all trafficking victims, including adult male victims, foreign victims, and victims exploited abroad and allow trafficking victims in government-run and -funded shelters freedom of movement.
Other recommendations include: consistently enforce regulations and monitor labor recruitment companies, dalals (sub-agents), and brokers who supply labor to recruiting agencies, including by eliminating recruitment fees charged to migrant workers and holding fraudulent labor recruiters criminally accountable.
Increase the capacity of labor inspectors to identify trafficking crimes, including monitoring the informal sector, filing cases in labor courts and referring cases for criminal courts investigations.
Increase efforts to identify trafficking victims among vulnerable populations, including disseminating and implementing formal victim identification procedures and the NRM to refer victims to appropriate services.
Increase law enforcement efforts to investigate and prosecute credible allegations of trafficking of Rohingya, including cases that do not involve movement, and establish clear procedures for referring Rohingya to protection services.
Increase training for officials, including law enforcement, labor inspectors, immigration officers, and health care providers, on a victim-centered and trauma-informed approach and on victim identification and referral to services.
Improve quality of pre-departure training for migrant workers, including sessions on labor rights, labour laws, and access to justice and overseas assistance.
Cease the inappropriate penalization of adult trafficking victims solely for unlawful acts committed as a direct result of trafficking.
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Implement the 2015 MOU with India to streamline the identification and repatriation of Bangladeshi trafficking victims.
Adopt a revised and resourced comprehensive National Action Plan (NAP) that incorporates greater attention to prosecution and protection efforts, including dedicating resources to enhance victim care.
Human trafficking is a horrific and devastating crime that also enriches transnational criminal organizations and immoral, anti-American regimes.
The 25th edition of the Trafficking in Persons Report pushes countries to take serious action against forced labor and sex trafficking and ensures that those who fail to act face consequences, according to the US Department of State.
3 months ago
US pledges support for Myanmar, Rohingya
US Special Envoy for Best Future Generations Charles Harder has said the United States will continue to support the people of Myanmar, including Rohingya and other minorities, and urged other donors to join them in this effort.
"Increased contributions are vital to ensure dignity, safety, and hope for vulnerable populations. This is fundamentally not a responsibility of the U.S., and we will not be the primary provider of assistance while others sit by," said the Special Envoy.
Harder, while speaking at high-level conference on the 'Situation of Rohingya Muslims and Other Minorities in Myanmar' held at the UN General Assembly on September 30, said this is not a burden the United States will bear indefinitely; it is long past time for other governments and actors in the region to develop sustainable solutions for Rohingya.
All nations, organisations, and private donors must step forward and share the burden by increasing their contributions, said the Special Envoy.
The scale and complexity of this crisis make it clear that no single country or entity can do it alone.
To underscore the US commitment in saving lives and providing critical assistance where needed, Harder announced the intent to provide more than $60 million in assistance for Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh.
"With this, we expect meaningful policy changes by Bangladesh to allow livelihood opportunities and by aid organisations to increase cost efficiency," Harder said.
The United States expressed its support for Rohingya and other Myanmar minorities who have been victims of repression and violence.
"Survivors of that persecution are here with us today. I commend their bravery in speaking out," Harder said.
The US thanked the government of Bangladesh, as they have shown generosity and compassion in hosting Rohingya refugees, many of whom fled a campaign of genocide and crimes against humanity perpetrated by Myanmar’s military.
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"We also thank Thailand for its steadfast partnership, including its recent decision to grant Myanmar refugees permission to work," Harder said.
Unfortunately, the Special Envoy said, Myanmar’s military regime continues to escape accountability for their atrocities. "They continue to oppress minorities, bomb civilians, and use child soldiers."
Harder said they are deeply concerned about reports of ongoing atrocities and forced displacement, particularly in Rakhine State.
The US called on all armed actors, including the military regime and the Arakha Army, to protect civilians, allow humanitarian access, and adhere to international humanitarian law.
Despite ASEAN and UN efforts to create conditions for dialogue, violence and instability have only worsened, Harder said.
The regime is moving ahead with an election plan that excludes the most popular and representative political parties.
"This plan will not address the legitimate aspirations of Myanmar’s ethnic groups. We reject these elections under current conditions," Harder said.
"Our goal is a future in which all people of Myanmar can live in safety, dignity, and peace. Our focus now should be on a ceasefire, a genuine dialogue, which is critical to shape the country’s future," said the US Special Envoy.
Meanwhile, the United States has committed to taking international efforts to provide humanitarian assistance for Rohingya refugees.
"We must review assistance to eliminate overlap, inefficiencies, and redundancies. We must maximise local solutions and minimise expensive overhead costs," Harder said.
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Burden-sharing and increasing efficiency are strategic necessities, said the US Special Envoy.
"By working together, the international community can strengthen collective efforts to address the root causes of displacement, support durable solutions, and prevent further instability in the region," Harder said.
3 months ago
UNGA: Prof Yunus scheduled to reach New York Monday afternoon
Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus is scheduled to depart from Dubai International Airport for New York, the United States on Monday morning (Dubai time).
A commercial flight of Emirates Airlines, carrying the Chief Adviser and his small entourage, is scheduled to leave for the John F Kennedy International Airport at 8:30am (Dubai time) from Dubai International Airport.
Prof Yunus left Dhaka for New York early Monday to attend the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
A commercial flight of the Emirates, carrying the Chief Adviser along with his small entourage, left Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 1:40am, Chief Adviser’s Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder told UNB.
The Bangladesh delegation is scheduled to reach at John F Kennedy International Airport at 2:25pm (NY Time) on Monday.
Bangladesh Ambassador to the United States Tareq Md Ariful Islam and Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Bangladesh to the United Nations Salahuddin Noman Chowdhury will welcome the Chief Adviser in New York.
BNP Secretary-General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, BNP leader Humayun Kabir, Nayeb-e-Ameer of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Syeed Abdullah Muhammad Taher, first senior joint member secretary of National Citizen Party Dr Tasnim Jara and NCP leader Akhter Hossen are accompanying the Chief Adviser as part of the Bangladesh delegation to the UNGA at the invitation of the Chief Adviser.
Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami leader Mohammad Nakibur Rahman will join the delegation from the USA, a political source told UNB.
UNGA: Prof Yunus off to New York with Fakhrul, Jamaat, NCP leaders
Law Adviser Dr Asif Nazrul, Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain, Industries Adviser Adilur Rahman Khan, Energy Adviser M Fouzul Kabir Khan, Special Envoy on International Affairs Lutfey Siddiqi, National Security Adviser Dr Khalilur Rahman, Bangladesh Investment Development Authority Executive Chairman Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun, Principal Secretary to Chief Adviser M Siraz Uddin Miah, Principal Coordinator (SDGs Affairs) Lamiya Morshed, Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam and Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam are among the members of Bangladesh delegation, a senior official at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs told UNB.
Prof Yunus is set to hold a series of high-level meetings on the sidelines of the UNGA.
Upon arrival, he is likely to meet family members of deceased police officer of NYPD Didarul Islam.
On Monday evening (NY Time), Prof Yunus will attend a high-level event on "Social Business, Youth and Technology which will be organised by Global Committee on Social Business for Sustainable Development Goals.
He will also attend annual SDG dinner and award ceremony.
At the General Debate (Sept 23-27 & 29), the annual meeting of heads of state and government in the beginning of the General Assembly session, world leaders will make statements outlining their positions and priorities in the context of complex and interconnected global challenges, officials said.
UNGA: More political leaders to join as Prof Yunus leaves for NY Monday
3 months ago