Tarique Rahman to Present Bangladesh’s Economic and Development Priorities at UN

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is set to travel to New York to attend the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly, where Bangladesh’s economic priorities, development plans, investment prospects and international cooperation are expected to feature prominently.

The Prime Minister is scheduled to leave Dhaka on September 21 and deliver his first address to the UN General Assembly on September 24. He is expected to leave New York for Dhaka on September 25.

The Prime Minister will be accompanied by a relatively small delegation. Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam said the visit would provide an opportunity to present the new government’s political commitments and vision for Bangladesh while strengthening bilateral and multilateral cooperation with international partners.

The theme of the 81st UN General Assembly is “Restoring Trust, Managing Transformation: A United Nations That Delivers for All.” The session is addressing a wide range of global issues, including peace and security, climate change, development, artificial intelligence and international cooperation.

Economic and Investment Priorities

Bangladesh is expected to highlight its economic potential, development priorities, investment opportunities, employment generation and prospects for international cooperation during the UNGA.

The country is currently dealing with several economic challenges, including inflation, energy security, production growth and the need to strengthen private investment.

According to the latest Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics data, headline inflation eased to 8.26 percent in August from 8.32 percent in July, marking the lowest level in 10 months. Food inflation declined to 7.02 percent. However, non-food inflation increased to 9.32 percent during the month.

The moderation in headline inflation indicates some easing of price pressures, although household costs, purchasing power and elevated market prices remain important economic concerns.

Energy and Industrial Development

Ensuring reliable energy supplies remains critical to Bangladesh’s economic growth. Gas supply, LNG imports, electricity generation and renewable energy development are among the areas requiring long-term policy attention.

Expanding industrial production, attracting new investment and creating employment will also be important to sustaining economic growth. For international investors, policy stability, energy security, infrastructure and a predictable business environment are key considerations.

Bangladesh’s Multilateral Priorities

Bangladesh is also organising discussions on the Rohingya crisis and other issues on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is expected to hold bilateral meetings with leaders and senior representatives of several countries and international organisations.

Potential areas of discussion include trade, investment, development cooperation, energy, climate change, migration, security and regional cooperation.

The 81st UNGA session carries particular significance for Bangladesh because Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman is serving as President of the General Assembly for the session. He was elected to the position in June 2026.

Rohingya Crisis and International Cooperation

The Rohingya crisis remains one of Bangladesh’s major international diplomatic priorities. The UN platform provides an opportunity to seek greater international support for a sustainable solution, including the creation of conditions conducive to safe and dignified repatriation.

Bangladesh can also highlight the impacts of climate change, sea-level rise, development financing and the need for greater opportunities for developing countries within the global economic system.

Engagement with the United States

During his New York visit, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is scheduled to attend a reception hosted by US President Donald Trump for heads of state and government and their spouses on September 22.

Such engagements on the sidelines of the UNGA can provide opportunities for Bangladesh to strengthen relations with international partners and discuss areas of mutual interest.

Presenting a New Bangladesh

Tarique Rahman’s first address to the UN General Assembly will be one of the new government’s major international engagements. According to the Foreign Secretary, Bangladesh aims to present itself as a democratic, confident, responsible and peace-loving country while outlining its future vision to the international community.

Amid global economic uncertainty, energy and food-security concerns, climate change and geopolitical tensions, maintaining economic stability and development momentum remains a significant challenge for Bangladesh.

Against this backdrop, Bangladesh’s message at the UN is expected to focus on development, economic stability, investment, employment, climate change, the Rohingya crisis and international cooperation.

The visit therefore represents more than a diplomatic engagement. It offers Bangladesh an important platform to present its economic priorities, development plans and future areas of cooperation to the global community.