PM Takes Busy UN Stage Amid Political Standoff and Calls for Multilateral Reform

World leaders have gathered at high-level preparatory meetings in New York on the eve of the 81st Session of the UN General Assembly to address global challenges under the central theme: ‘Rebuilding Trust and Managing Transformation: A United Nations That Works for All.’ The discussions centered on severe development financing crises, slow SDG progress, sustainable health funding for maternal health and pandemic preparedness, and urgent peace efforts regarding conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine. Policymakers also focused on climate adaptation and establishing global guidelines to safely govern rapidly evolving artificial intelligence.

Amid these global deliberations, Bangladesh is preparing to showcase its new democratic transition, highlight its contribution to international peacekeeping, and seek permanent solutions to the ongoing Rohingya refugee crisis. The South Asian nation aims to leverage this assembly session to strengthen bilateral and multilateral partnerships across the globe. Additionally, this session holds historical significance for Bangladesh as its Prime Minister, Tarique Rahman, attends the UNGA for the first time while Bangladesh’s Foreign Minister serves as the President of the 81st General Assembly session.

PM Tarique Rahman is scheduled to land at John F. Kennedy International Airport on Monday afternoon accompanied by a 35-member official delegation. According to Foreign Secretary Mr. Asad Alam Siam, the PM will begin his formal engagements on September 22 by attending a welcome breakfast hosted by the UN Secretary-General, followed by the assembly’s opening ceremony. Later that evening, he is scheduled to attend a diplomatic reception hosted by the US President for visiting heads of state and government.

On September 23, the PM will engage with leaders of international humanitarian organizations during a breakfast meeting before delivering remarks at a high-level event on global inequality hosted by Brazil, South Africa, Norway, and Spain. Later in the afternoon, he will participate in the ‘Climate Action and the Just Transition’ meeting convened by the UN Secretary-General. In addition, Bangladesh will host a dedicated side event on the Rohingya crisis, where the PM will appeal for robust international cooperation to ensure the swift repatriation of refugees to Myanmar.

The PM will deliver opening remarks on September 24 at a session focused on sea-level rise threats, presenting Bangladesh’s firm stance on climate finance, adaptation, loss and damage, and climate justice. That afternoon, he will act as the chief guest at a side event on maternal and newborn health, outlining national strategies for integrating midwifery services into primary healthcare. Later at 5:30 PM, Tarique Rahman will deliver his official address to the UN General Debate in Bangla, focusing on governance, rule of law, economic cooperation, youth empowerment, and multilateral reforms.

Throughout his four-day stay, the PM maintains a heavy bilateral agenda with world leaders and heads of international organizations. His schedule includes formal meetings with Turkish President Mr. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Pakistani PM Mr. Shehbaz Sharif, Croatian PM Mr. Andrej Plenković, Thai PM Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul, and World Bank Group President Mr. Ajay Banga. Courtesy calls are also scheduled with European Council President Mr. António Costa, Meta’s Chief Global Affairs Officer Mr. Joel Kaplan, and UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy on Myanmar Ms. Julie Bishop.

Ahead of his departure on September 25, PM Tarique Rahman will attend a business breakfast organized by JPMorgan with Wall Street executives to promote foreign investment opportunities in Bangladesh. He is also set to hold a bilateral meeting with Kuwait’s Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah and meet with expatriate Bangladeshi political leaders. The delegation will depart New York late Wednesday night on an Emirates flight, arriving back at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka on the morning of September 27.

Optimism remains high within the diplomatic corps regarding the broader impact of this high-profile international trip for the country’s global standing. Highlighting the significance of the visit at a diplomatic briefing in Dhaka, Foreign Secretary Mr. Asad Alam Siam stated, ‘Overall, this visit will showcase the new journey of Bangladesh’s new government on the global stage, creating a critical opportunity to expand bilateral and multilateral cooperation. Through this, Bangladesh aims to convey a message to the world of a democratic, confident, responsible, peace-loving, and promising nation.’

Simultaneously, political tensions spilled over onto the streets of New York as supporters of the ruling BNP and the banned Awami League staged opposing demonstrations in Jackson Heights following the destruction of promotional posters welcoming the PM. New York City Police personnel quickly intervened to manage the standoff and prevent escalation. Describing the incident, New York City South BNP President Mr. Habibur Rahman Salim Reza stated, ‘Activists of the banned and fascist Awami League tore down our banners. In response, I led leaders and activists from New York BNP and its affiliates in bringing out an immediate and peaceful protest rally.’

On the opposing side, US Awami League leaders, including President Dr. Siddiqur Rahman, voiced complete rejection of the visit and announced plans to organize protest demonstrations outside the UN headquarters during the PM’s main address. In response to the planned demonstrations, BNP leadership reiterated their determination to maintain order while warning against disruptive tactics. Mr. Habibur Rahman Salim Reza added, ‘I would advise the activists of the ousted Awami League to conduct peaceful political activities. But if they try to enforce anything by muscle power, it will be resisted at any cost.’