PM to speak of ‘Bangladesh first’ policy in UNGA

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman will take the message of a “New Bangladesh” to the United Nations General Assembly, presenting Bangladesh as a democratic, confident and promising country under the government’s “Bangladesh First” foreign policy.

State ministers for foreign affairs Humayun Kobir and Shama Obaed Islam said Rahman would highlight national interests, economic potential and development opportunities when he attends the high-level segment of the 81st General Assembly session. The segment is scheduled to begin in New York on September 21.

For Rahman, the session will mark his first UNGA appearance since the establishment of the new democratic government. Shama described it as “an extremely important” session that represents “a new journey, a new possibility and a new aspiration” for Bangladesh.

The agenda includes poverty eradication, climate change, pandemic prevention, nuclear disarmament and the 40th anniversary of the Declaration on the Right to Development. Bangladesh will also hold a dedicated session on the Rohingya crisis, with Rahman expected to participate.

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This year’s session is an extremely important one for Bangladesh. It marks a new journey, a new possibility and a new aspiration.

Shama said the crisis had become more complicated because of the involvement of Myanmar authorities, the Arakan Army, regional actors and competing international interests. “Without international pressure, resolving this problem will become very difficult,” she said, calling on Bangladeshis abroad and civil-society representatives to help build international support for a sustainable solution.

She also described Khalilur Rahman’s election to preside over the General Assembly as a matter of national pride. Bangladesh secured the position despite Cyprus campaigning for it for nearly a decade, she said, crediting the Foreign Ministry, Bangladesh’s 83 overseas missions, and the country’s return to democratic governance and stability.

Shama said Bangladesh should no longer be represented internationally only through floods, disasters or the repatriation of undocumented migrants. The country, she said, should also be recognised for its economic potential, development prospects and the courage and sacrifice of its peacekeepers, including women serving in dangerous missions.

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Without international pressure, resolving this problem will become very difficult.