Prime Minister Tarique Rahman participated in the high-level General Debate of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on September 22 at the UN Headquarters in New York. Arriving at approximately 9:00 a.m. local time, Rahman attended an earlier welcome breakfast hosted by UN Secretary-General António Guterres, which brought together heads of delegations and their spouses. The breakfast took place at the North Dialogue Lounge at 8:00 a.m., where Rahman, accompanied by his wife Dr. Zubaida Rahman, joined other world leaders and their spouses for a photo session with Guterres and exchanged greetings.
Seated in the front row of the General Assembly Hall alongside his delegation, Rahman greeted the President of the 81st UNGA session, Dr. Khalilur Rahman, Bangladesh’s foreign minister, before taking his seat. Khalilur Rahman was elected president of the session on June 2, winning 99 votes in a contested election. Following Rahman’s arrival, Secretary-General Guterres delivered opening remarks to the assembly.
The Prime Minister was accompanied by senior members of Bangladesh’s diplomatic and political team, including State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir, Permanent Representative to the UN Irene Khan, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam, Prime Minister’s Adviser Mahdi Amin, and Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam.
On the sidelines of the UNGA, Prime Minister Rahman held bilateral meetings with several international leaders. He met with World Bank Group President Ajay Banga to discuss Bangladesh’s development priorities, recent economic progress, and prospects for enhanced collaboration between the World Bank and Bangladesh. In separate discussions, Rahman engaged with Bhutanese Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay and Maldivian Vice-President Uz Hussain Mohamed Latheef to explore opportunities to deepen bilateral ties, address shared regional and international concerns, and expand cooperation for mutual benefit.
Rahman leads a 35-member delegation that arrived at John F. Kennedy International Airport on Monday evening. The 81st UNGA General Debate commenced on September 22, with US President Donald Trump delivering the inaugural speech.
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is scheduled to address the General Assembly on September 24, marking his first speech before the international body as prime minister. According to Mahdi Amin, Rahman is expected to deliver his address in Bangla and will focus on Bangladesh’s development goals and efforts to protect national interests on the global stage. During his stay in New York, Rahman will also conduct additional bilateral meetings and high-level engagements with government leaders and heads of international organizations.