Tarique to deliver maiden speech at UNGA on Sept 24

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman will arrive in New York today to attend the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly, where he will deliver his maiden speech as Bangladesh’s head of government at the General Debate on September 24.

His speech is expected to focus on Bangladesh’s democratic transformation, national interests, economic reconstruction, investment and employment, climate justice, the Rohingya crisis, world peace and multilateral cooperation.

Officials said the Prime Minister would highlight Bangladesh’s new political reality, future development priorities and the need for greater international cooperation.

The visit carries added significance as Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman is serving as president of the 81st UNGA. Thus, during the High-Level Week, Bangladesh’s prime minister will address world leaders while its foreign minister presides over the General Assembly.

The theme of this year’s UNGA is “Rebuilding Trust, Managing Transformation: An Effective United Nations for All.” The General Debate will take place from September 22 to 26 and on September 28. Around 130 heads of state and government are expected to attend the High-Level Week in person, according to the UN.

Tarique's speech is being prepared against the backdrop of Bangladesh's new political reality. Democratic transformation through free and fair elections, the rule of law, accountability, economic reconstruction and future development plans are expected to feature prominently.

The government may also highlight its "Bangladesh First" foreign-policy approach, national interests, foreign investment, employment, poverty alleviation, protection of women and children and economic cooperation.

Recovery of money and assets allegedly siphoned abroad could also receive particular attention. Dhaka is expected to call for stronger international legal and institutional cooperation to combat money laundering and recover illegally transferred assets.

Climate change and climate justice are likely to be another major component. As a low-lying coastal country, Bangladesh is expected to seek greater support for climate adaptation, financing, technology transfer and measures to address loss and damage.

A high-level meeting on existential threats caused by rising sea levels is scheduled for September 24, the day Tarique will deliver his UNGA speech.

The Rohingya crisis will also remain a major diplomatic priority. Dhaka will seek stronger international support for the safe, voluntary and sustainable repatriation of the Rohingyas, including efforts to create conditions conducive to their return to Myanmar's Rakhine State.

Tarique will arrive in New York on September 21 and leave for Bangladesh on the night of September 25 after a five-day visit. He will lead a relatively small delegation but face a packed schedule.

On September 22, he will attend a welcome breakfast hosted by UN Secretary-General António Guterres and the opening programmes of the General Assembly. He is also scheduled to attend a reception hosted by US President Donald Trump for heads of state and government and their spouses.

On September 23, the Prime Minister is scheduled to meet representatives of international charitable and humanitarian organisations and speak at a discussion on global inequality. He will also attend a high-level meeting on climate action and a just transition.

On September 24, he will attend the sea-level meeting before delivering Bangladesh's General Debate speech in the afternoon. A Bangladesh-Sweden side event on maternal and newborn health and midwifery is also scheduled for the day.

Several bilateral meetings are being prepared with foreign leaders, including Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Kuwait's Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Sabah, Thailand's Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, Bhutan's Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay, Croatia's Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovi? and Haiti's prime minister.

Meetings are also being prepared with UN Secretary-General António Guterres, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk, UN High Commissioner for Refugees Barham Salih and European Council President António Costa.

Bilateral relations, trade and investment, development cooperation, human rights, regional security and the Rohingya crisis may feature in the discussions.

Economic diplomacy is expected to be another priority. Bangladesh plans to highlight its potential in foreign investment, production, infrastructure and technology, skilled manpower, youth employment and its business environment.

Tarique is scheduled to meet senior representatives of business organisations, including Wall Street and Meta, with discussions expected to focus on investment opportunities, technology, skills development and quality employment.

The government also wants expatriate Bangladeshis to contribute more actively to economic development through investment, expertise and international networks.

Tarique's UN appearance also carries a family connection. His father, Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, addressed the 11th Special Session of the UN General Assembly in 1980. His mother, former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, delivered her first General Assembly speech in 1993 and later attended other UN events.

Tarique's appearance would therefore mark a precedent in which three members of the same family have addressed the UN global stage as heads of state or government.

US BNP leaders have made preparations to welcome the Prime Minister. At a press conference in Jackson Heights on Saturday, BNP Central Executive Committee International Affairs Secretary and North and South America organisational coordinator Anwar Hossain Khokon described the visit as "historic" and rejected claims of a travel ban on Tarique.

The visit was shortened because of his state responsibilities and tight schedule, they said. Several programmes, including a planned civic reception, have consequently been cancelled, although Tarique is expected to meet US BNP leaders and activists.

BNP Executive Committee member Gias Ahmed said a large number of party leaders and activists would gather at the airport on September 21, while preparations are underway for a gathering outside the UN on September 24.

With Bangladesh seeking to project its new political identity, economic potential and diplomatic priorities, the five-day visit is expected to give the country a high-profile presence during the 81st UNGA.