sheaikh Umar Faruque Al Hadi : Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is leaving for New York on Monday (September 21) to attend the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly. A 35-member delegation will accompany the Prime Minister during the visit. Meanwhile, regular communication and discussions are underway with the relevant US authorities to ensure the security of the Prime Minister and members of his delegation.
Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam disclosed the information at a press briefing held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Sunday (September 20).
Asked about the members accompanying the Prime Minister, the Foreign Secretary said the UN-related programmes would receive the highest priority during the visit. The Prime Minister will be accompanied by 35 people. The Foreign Minister and Bangladesh's Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York will join the Prime Minister there. In addition, four ministers and two political figures will accompany him.
Regarding the security of the Prime Minister and his delegation, Asad Alam Siam said all necessary measures had been taken. Part of the responsibility for ensuring the security of the delegates also rests with the relevant US authorities. Regular discussions are being held with the US authorities in this regard to ensure the safety of the delegation members.
Asked how long the Prime Minister would stay in New York, the Foreign Secretary said he would remain there only for as long as necessary to conduct an effective visit. He said making proper use of the available time was more important than the length of the visit itself.
The members of the Prime Minister's delegation include Dr Golam Mohiuddin, Secretary-General of the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Bangladesh, and Saiful Haque, General Secretary of the Revolutionary Workers Party. Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister M. Rashiduzzaman Millat, and Law Minister Md Asaduzzaman are also scheduled to accompany the Prime Minister.
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is scheduled to deliver his address in Bangla at the UN General Assembly on September 24. He is expected to leave New York for Dhaka on September 25.
At the 81st session of the UN General Assembly, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is expected to highlight Bangladesh's democratic progress, the rule of law, accountability, and global peace and security, among other important issues. He will also speak on climate change, sustainable development, economic cooperation, the Rohingya crisis, youth and women's empowerment, and reforms to the multilateral system.
According to the Foreign Secretary, the Prime Minister's official engagements will begin on September 22. That morning, he will attend a welcome breakfast hosted by the UN Secretary-General in honour of heads of state and government. He will then join world leaders at the opening ceremony of the General Assembly.
In the evening, the Prime Minister is also scheduled to attend a reception hosted by the US President in honour of heads of state and government and their spouses.
