Tarique Presents Bangladesh’s Priorities, Global Role at UNGA

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman presented Bangladesh’s policy priorities and positions on global issues at the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), highlighting the country’s commitment to peace, development and stronger international cooperation, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir said on Thursday.

He made the remarks at a press briefing at the UN Headquarters in New York after the prime minister delivered his address to the General Assembly.

“Today is an important and historic day for Bangladesh. The Prime Minister has presented before the world the national policies and key steps being taken by the elected government and highlighted Bangladesh’s engagement in global affairs,” Kobir said.

He said Tarique’s speech outlined a roadmap for Bangladesh’s development and its role in addressing global challenges.

“He has presented Bangladesh’s development priorities on the world stage and outlined programmes that will guide our journey ahead,” the state minister said.

On the sidelines of the General Assembly, Tarique held bilateral meetings with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul.

During the meeting with Shehbaz Sharif, the two sides discussed bilateral relations, regional and international developments and potential areas of cooperation, according to a statement issued after the meeting. They also stressed advancing relations based on mutual respect, understanding and cooperation.

Kobir said the two prime ministers also discussed the situation in the Middle East and Pakistan’s initiatives for a peaceful resolution of the conflict.

“Prime Minister Tarique Rahman welcomed Pakistan’s initiative for a peaceful resolution and expressed Bangladesh’s support for efforts aimed at promoting peace,” he said.

The meeting with the Thai prime minister focused on strengthening bilateral relations and cooperation in several areas, Kobir said.

Bangladesh also sought Thailand’s support for its proposed partnership and dialogue role with ASEAN, and the Thai prime minister expressed support for Bangladesh, he said.

The two sides also discussed expanding cooperation in professional manpower export, trade and investment, technology and combating cybercrime, according to Kobir.

He said Bangladesh and Thailand have historically maintained good relations and now want to broaden their partnership into new areas.

“Today we saw important world leaders meeting Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly. This reflects the importance of Bangladesh’s engagement with the international community,” Kobir said.

Referring to the prime minister’s UNGA address, the state minister said it would serve as an important reference for Bangladesh’s future development efforts.

He also paid tribute to former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, saying she had fought for democracy, and remembered those who participated in movements for democracy and those who lost their lives during the July movement.

“Today, we remember all those who sacrificed their lives for democracy and for the establishment of democratic rights,” Kobir said.

He said the prime minister’s address presented Bangladesh’s development vision to the international community and outlined programmes for continuing that development.

The state minister said the address also highlighted Bangladesh’s positions on global peace, Palestine, democracy, human rights, the rule of law and inclusive development.

He said Tarique outlined his government’s policy priorities in health, education, agriculture, employment, technology and the environment.

The prime minister also highlighted initiatives including the Family Card, Farmer Card, e-Health Card and a proposed universal card, Kobir said.

“The Prime Minister presented a roadmap for building a prosperous, self-reliant and welfare-oriented Bangladesh,” he said.

Kobir said Tarique also spoke about strengthening democracy and the rule of law and ensuring human rights.

He said the prime minister’s UNGA address went beyond Bangladesh’s national interests and highlighted broader issues of global peace and cooperation.

Referring to Tarique’s participation in the General Assembly, Kobir said he was the third member of his family to address the world body, following his father Ziaur Rahman and mother Khaleda Zia.

He also noted that Bangladesh’s Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman is presiding over the 81st session of the UN General Assembly.

PM’s Adviser Mahdi Amin, PM’s Press Secretary Saleh Shibly, Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Rumon, Deputy Permanent Representative of Bangladesh to the UN AKM Wahiduzzaman and other officials were present at the briefing.