Tarique Rahman Makes History With First UNGA Speech

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has become the third member of his family to address the United Nations General Assembly, delivering his maiden speech at the 81st session of the General Debate in New York.

He began his address at around 6:18pm local time on Thursday, September 24, which was about 4:18am Bangladesh time on Friday, September 25. He delivered the speech entirely in Bangla, presenting Bangladesh’s perspectives and priorities to the international community.

Tarique’s address marked a new chapter in his family’s more than four-decade association with the UN General Assembly. His father, late President Ziaur Rahman, was the first member of the family to address the Assembly, speaking on August 26, 1980, during its 11th Special Session.

In his 1980 address, Ziaur Rahman highlighted issues including the widening gap between developed and developing countries, poverty and hunger, economic development and the need for greater international cooperation. He also called for a world based on peace, human dignity, justice and shared responsibility among nations.

Thirteen years later, Tarique’s mother, former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, addressed the General Assembly during its 48th session on October 1, 1993. According to UN records cited in recent reports, she addressed General Assembly proceedings on five occasions between 1993 and 2005. She also spoke at several special and commemorative UN meetings during that period.

In his first UNGA address, Tarique highlighted Bangladesh’s outlook and priorities on issues including climate change, global peace and security, sustainable development, economic cooperation, humanitarian concerns and the Rohingya crisis.

His address therefore added another chapter to the family’s long association with the UN General Assembly, while marking his first appearance before the world body as Bangladesh’s prime minister.