Tarique Rahman to Address UNGA in Bangla, Economy and Rohingya Crisis in Focus

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is set to deliver his first-ever speech at the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York today. He will become the third member of the Zia family to address the UN General Assembly, following his father, former President Ziaur Rahman, and his mother, former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia.

His speech is expected to cover Bangladesh’s democratic journey, rule of law and accountability, global peace and security, climate change, sustainable development, economic cooperation, youth and women’s empowerment, education and healthcare, the Rohingya crisis, equitable access to modern technology and reform of the multilateral system.

Among the key issues surrounding his UN visit are Bangladesh’s economy, the Rohingya crisis and regional relations. His engagements on the sidelines of the General Assembly have already focused on economic cooperation, international support for resolving the Rohingya crisis and strengthening bilateral and regional ties. He also held talks with World Bank President Ajay Banga on Bangladesh’s economic challenges and development cooperation.

The Rohingya crisis is also expected to receive significant attention. Bangladesh has been hosting displaced Rohingya from Myanmar for years, creating humanitarian, economic and security pressures. During his New York visit, Tarique Rahman has discussed the issue with UN officials, including UNHCR chief Barham Salih and UN Special Envoy for Myanmar Julie Bishop.

The visit is also being used to strengthen Bangladesh’s bilateral relations. Tarique Rahman has met Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to discuss trade and investment, while meetings have also taken place with the leaders of Bhutan, Maldives and Haiti. Meetings with the prime ministers of Pakistan and Thailand are also scheduled.

Ziaur Rahman addressed the UN General Assembly for the first time in 1980, while Khaleda Zia delivered her maiden address in 1993. Tarique Rahman’s speech will therefore mark the latest chapter in the Zia family’s long association with the UN General Assembly.