PM Hasina to reach NY on 17 Sep to attend 78th UNGA

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is scheduled to reach New York on 17 September to attend the 78th session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA78).

She will lead the Bangladesh delegation at the UNGA where world leaders will gather under the theme "Rebuilding trust and reigniting global solidarity: Accelerating action on the 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals towards peace, prosperity, progress and the sustainability for all".

The first day of the high-level general debate will be held on 19 September, Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen, who will accompany the PM, told in a media briefing on Thursday at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Like previous years, this time the prime minister will deliver a speech on behalf of Bangladesh in the general debate on 22 September.

In her speech, she will shed light on Bangladesh's incredible development progress, inclusive economic development, and success in the health sector.

In addition, she will address issues related to world peace, security, safe migration, the forcibly displaced Myanmar citizens' crisis, establishment of climate justice.

"You know we have entered the sixth year of the Rohingya problem, but so far the bilateral and multilateral steps taken to repatriate the Rohingyas to Myanmar have not given any expected solution," said Momen.

"The return of Rohingyas to Myanmar is the number one priority issue for Bangladesh. And, to convey this again to the world, a side event titled 'High-level side event on Rohingya Crisis' will be organised where the PM can give a speech," he added.

The event is co-hosted by Canada, Gambia, Turkey, the United Kingdom, the United States, Saudi Arabia, Malaysia and the European Union.

Also, like every year, this year there is a possibility of holding several high-level meetings (High-level Meeting/High-level Debate) during the general debate phase in which the prime minister may participate.

"US President Joe Biden has invited PM Sheikh Hasina to a reception on 19 September evening. The PM can participate in the event," said Momen.

"Furthermore, the PM may participate in bilateral meetings with the heads of state/government of several countries, including the prime ministers of Malaysia, Thailand and Denmark and the president of Sri Lanka. It is expected that the bilateral relations of those countries with Bangladesh will be strengthened," he added.

Besides, heads of international/regional cooperation organisations, including the UN secretary general, the UN high commissioner for refugees, the UN secretary general's adviser on genocide, the newly elected director general of the International Organisation for Migration, the director general of the World Health Organisation and the director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency may pay a courtesy call on the prime minister during the visit.

Besides, several agreements/memoranda of understanding are supposed to be signed with Hungary and Kazakhstan.

Active participation of the Bangladeshi delegation, led by the prime minister, in the 78th session of the UN is expected to strengthen Bangladesh's position in multilateral forums and broaden the field of international cooperation in matters related to Bangladesh's interests, Momen said.

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md Shahriar Alam also spoke on the occasion.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Seheli Sabrin and director generals of relevant wings were also present.