PM’s UNGA visit uplifted Bangladesh’s dignity abroad: Humaiun

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir said on Monday that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s participation in the UN General Assembly (UNGA) has raised Bangladesh’s confidence, honour and dignity on the global stage.

Briefing journalists on the Bangladesh delegation’s participation in the 81st session of the UNGA, Humaiun said the visit carried particular significance as it was the new government’s first UNGA appearance.

“After a long period, a prime minister elected through the overwhelming mandate of the people represented Bangladesh on the global stage, and through this visit, the country’s confidence, honour and dignity have been elevated to a new height,” he said.

“The visit witnessed a very high visibility engagement,” he added.

The prime minister arrived in New York on 21 September and took part in 30 international engagements during his four-day visit, the state minister said.

These included an address to the General Assembly, speeches at seven high-level meetings, bilateral meetings with representatives of 11 countries and meetings with senior officials of 10 international organisations.

Addressing the UNGA in Bangla on 24 September, Tarique Rahman outlined Bangladesh’s democratic transition and the government’s “Recovery, Restoration and Reconstruction” strategy.

He also spoke about women and youth empowerment, social protection, education, technology and the international support needed for Bangladesh’s graduation from least developed country status.

The prime minister called for the early and sustainable repatriation of Rohingyas to Myanmar and reaffirmed Bangladesh’s positions on Palestine, climate justice, development financing, technology transfer and UN peacekeeping, Humaiun said.

At a separate meeting jointly organised by Bangladesh and Gambia, Tarique Rahman sought a clear roadmap for Rohingya repatriation, continued humanitarian assistance and accountability for crimes committed against the displaced community.

He also presented Bangladesh’s position at a UN meeting on climate action and just transition, addressed the risks of sea-level rise, and joined a Bangladesh-Sweden meeting on integrating midwives into primary healthcare.

Humaiun said the prime minister met leaders from Türkiye, Iran, the Maldives, Bhutan, Pakistan, Thailand, Croatia, Haiti and Kuwait. Senior representatives of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates also called on him.

His meetings with the UN secretary-general and officials of international organisations, alongside discussions with business leaders and investors, created opportunities to expand cooperation, the state minister said.

Humaiun described the delegation’s participation as successful, saying it allowed the new government to present its priorities to the international community and strengthen bilateral and multilateral ties.

Responding to a question on Boeing aircraft purchases, he said Bangladesh would buy planes according to its needs, while it would help the country expand routes and develop as an aviation hub.

“There is no hidden agenda regarding purchasing new aircraft. We will expand our (Biman) fleet based on needs,” he said.