Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is set to become the third member of his family to address the United Nations General Assembly when he is expected to deliver his maiden speech at the 81st session in New York on September 24.
Tarique’s father Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman addressed the General Assembly during its 11th Special Session in 1980. In his address, Ziaur Rahman had focused on the widening gap between rich and poor countries, poverty and hunger, economic development and the need for greater international cooperation.
Thirteen years later, Ziaur’s wife Khaleda Zia addressed the General Assembly during its 48th session in 1993. She subsequently addressed General Assembly proceedings on several other occasions, including the commemorative meeting marking the 50th anniversary of the United Nations in 1995, the 27th Special Session on Children in 2002, and two separate meetings during the 60th session in 2005.
Now, Tarique Rahman is preparing to take the same international platform for the first time as Prime Minister of Bangladesh.
According to State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam, the Prime Minister is scheduled to leave Dhaka for New York on September 21 to attend the 81st session of the UN General Assembly and is expected to address the Assembly on September 24.
State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir said the Prime Minister would present Bangladesh’s new outlook and future vision before the world leaders, highlighting the country’s democratic transformation, future development priorities, global peace and sustainable solutions to international crises.
He said poverty eradication, economic prospects, climate action and climate finance would also feature in the address, while the Rohingya crisis would remain a major priority during the visit.
The 81st session carries additional significance for Bangladesh as Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman is serving as President of the General Assembly.
