PM Orders Reduction in State Expenditure

This year’s United Nations General Assembly is particularly significant for Bangladesh. Dr Khalilur Rahman, Bangladesh’s Foreign Minister, is serving as President of the 81st session of the General Assembly, while Prime Minister and BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman is scheduled to address the General Debate as head of government.
Against this backdrop, the Prime Minister’s US tour has been significantly shortened. Under the previous plan, he was scheduled to travel to San Francisco after attending the UN-General Assembly. The visit has now been cancelled.

According to sources concerned, the Prime Minister expressed interest in shortening the trip to avoid staying abroad for an extended period and to reduce state expenditure. He is scheduled to leave Bangladesh on September 21, his second foreign trip since taking office in February.
Tarique Rahman is scheduled to attend a dinner hosted by US President Donald Trump on September 23. He will address the UN-General Assembly on September 24 and attend a civic reception organised by the US BNP on September 25. First Lady Zubaida Rahman is expected to accompany him.

The earlier plan included several programmes in San Francisco involving expatriate Bangladeshis and meetings with technology-sector entrepreneurs. Those engagements have been dropped following the decision to shorten the trip.
As a result, the Prime Minister’s US visit will now be centred mainly on New York and the UN-General Assembly, although some programmes are scheduled in Washington, DC.
The September 23 dinner will be held in honour of heads of state and government attending the General Assembly. US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump will host the event, with leaders from various countries and their spouses invited.

The size of the Prime Minister’s travel entourage is also being reduced. According to sources, fewer than 30 people are expected to accompany him, and preparations for the list are underway.
Previous governments travelled to UNGA with significantly larger entourages. In 2014, then Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina travelled to New York with 180 members of her entourage, while the number increased to 292 in 2019. In 2024, 57 people accompanied interim government Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus according to a published booklet, although government documents put the number at more than 80.
This time, the government plans to keep the delegation considerably smaller to reduce state expenditure and avoid unnecessary time and logistical costs. Only those considered necessary for security and the discharge of official responsibilities are expected to travel.

The final list has not yet been completed. The full details will be known after decisions are made regarding who will travel, the size of the delegation and the duration of their stay.
State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humayun Kabir said that, if everything goes according to plan, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman will return home on September 26.

The Prime Minister’s speech at the UN-General Assembly is expected to focus on his government’s future roadmap. According to Humayun Kabir, Tarique Rahman will present to world leaders the goals and aspirations of a new Bangladesh emerging through a democratic transition.
Bangladesh’s position on global peace, sustainable solutions to conflicts and international crises will also be highlighted. Sustainable development, the impact of climate change and Bangladesh’s role in climate financing are expected to receive particular attention.

The Prime Minister is also expected to discuss Bangladesh’s economic progress and future prospects, people’s aspirations regarding the domestic economy and the government’s future plans. He will also emphasise the importance of peace, stability and cooperation in the current global context.
The Rohingya crisis will remain one of Bangladesh’s major priorities. Dhaka will seek effective international support for the safe and sustainable repatriation of Rohingyas forcibly displaced from Myanmar.
Humayun Kabir said initiatives are also being taken to arrange several high-level meetings on the Rohingya issue on the sidelines of the UN-General Assembly.