PM Tarique to attend Trump's reception on Tuesday, address UNGA session on Thursday

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman will attend a reception hosted by the US president for heads of state and government and their spouses during the 81st UN General Assembly (UNGA) in New York on 22 September.

He will leave Dhaka for New York on 21 September to lead the Bangladesh delegation, Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam said at a press conference at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs today (20 September).

According to the foreign secretary's written speech, the reception on the evening of 22 September will be among the key engagements of Tarique's first UNGA visit as prime minister.

He will also attend a welcome breakfast hosted by the UN secretary-general for heads of state and government, followed by the General Assembly's opening ceremony.

The foreign secretary said the 81st UNGA is significant as it will mark the current government's first participation in the forum. Bangladesh's foreign minister is also serving as president of the General Assembly, making it a significant occasion for the country.

During the visit, Tarique is expected to hold bilateral meetings with the crown prince of Kuwait and the prime ministers of Croatia, Bhutan, Thailand, Pakistan and Haiti.

The talks are expected to cover political and economic relations, trade and investment, development cooperation and the Rohingya crisis.

He is also scheduled to meet the UN secretary-general, president of the European Council, president of the World Bank Group, UN special envoy on Myanmar, UN high commissioners for refugees and human rights, and the president of the International Peace Institute.

PM to call for Rohingya repatriation

On 24 September, Tarique is expected to address the General Assembly's general debate, where he will highlight Bangladesh's democratic transition, rule of law, accountability, global peace and security, climate change, sustainable development, economic cooperation, youth and women's empowerment, education, healthcare and the Rohingya crisis.

At a Bangladesh-hosted side event on 23 September, he will call for stronger international support for the early repatriation of Rohingya refugees to Myanmar.

He will also attend a Bangladesh-hosted side event on maternal and newborn health and midwifery, where he is expected to outline government initiatives and plans to improve maternal and child healthcare.

The prime minister will also participate in high-level meetings on global inequality, climate action and the existential threats posed by rising sea levels.

Bangladesh is expected to highlight its positions on climate finance, adaptation, technology transfer, loss and damage, and climate justice at these events.

PM to discuss investment, jobs with Wall Street firms, Meta

As part of the government's economic diplomacy, Tarique will meet senior representatives of Wall Street firms, Meta and other businesses.

The discussions will focus on Bangladesh's investment environment, opportunities in manufacturing, infrastructure and technology, skills and human resource development, and quality employment opportunities for young people.

The prime minister is scheduled to leave New York for Bangladesh on the night of 25 September, the foreign secretary said.