‘PM’s UNGA visit puts nat’l interests in focus’

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s four-day visit to New York for the 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) placed Bangladesh’s national interests, sovereignty and development priorities at the centre of its international engagements, Prime Minister’s Adviser Mahdi Amin said on Wednesday.
Speaking at a press conference at the Prime Minister’s Office in Dhaka, Mahdi said the visit also opened avenues for partnership, trade and investment with the international community.
During the visit, Tarique Rahman attended 30 official programmes, held bilateral meetings with representatives of 11 countries and delivered six speeches at different events, in addition to his address to the UNGA General Debate.
Eight of the programmes were directly linked to the United Nations, including the opening of the 81st UNGA, a breakfast hosted by UN Secretary-General António Guterres, a reception hosted by US President Donald Trump and four high-level side events.
Members of the Bangladesh delegation also held around 50 meetings, taking the total number of bilateral and multilateral engagements involving the delegation to more than 80, Mahdi said.
In his UNGA address, Tarique Rahman outlined Bangladesh’s priorities in democracy, accountability, transparency, inclusive development, human rights, the rule of law, freedom of expression, economic recovery, employment, health, education, technology and climate action.
He also presented the government’s three-R strategy of recovery, restoration and reconstruction, along with development initiatives including family, farmer and health cards and a proposed universal card.
According to Mahdi, the prime minister also highlighted plans to develop human resources, create jobs, promote entrepreneurship and expand artificial intelligence and robotics.

Climate action was another major focus. Rahman outlined plans to plant 250 million trees over five years, excavate 20,000 kilometres of canals, implement the Teesta Master Plan and Padma Barrage projects, expand renewable energy and promote green industries. He also called for stronger international action on climate resilience, climate finance and the Loss and Damage Fund.
On healthcare, Mahdi said the government plans to recruit 100,000 healthcare workers, with women expected to account for 80 per cent, while expanding maternal and healthcare services nationwide.
The Rohingya crisis was also discussed at a high-level meeting attended by representatives of nearly 20 countries and international organisations. 
PM Tarique Rahman presented a five-point roadmap for early, safe, voluntary, dignified and sustainable repatriation, alongside proposals covering humanitarian assistance, rights, security, justice and accountability.
Mahdi said the roadmap was positively received by participants. He added that Bangladesh sought international financial and humanitarian support for the Rohingyas and urged the international community to press Myanmar to facilitate their return.
On bilateral diplomacy, Mahdi said talks with 11 countries covered trade, investment, manpower exports, health, education, travel and regional cooperation. Meetings with Middle Eastern countries focused particularly on manpower exports, trade and investment, while discussions with South Asian countries addressed regional cooperation, stability and democracy.
Tarique Rahman also met the UN secretary-general, World Bank president, Gates Foundation representatives, International Peace Institute officials and Wall Street investors. Discussions with around 25 investors reportedly focused on Bangladesh’s financial sector, bonds and other financial instruments.
The prime minister also met Boeing representatives amid the government’s agreement to purchase 11 aircraft.
Mahdi said Dr Zubaida Rahman, the prime minister’s wife, participated in eight programmes and delivered three speeches during the visit.
The prime minister travelled to the United States on 25 September with a 35-member official delegation and returned home on 27 September.

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