Niaz Mahmud from New York (USA)
Enthusiasm is running high among leaders and activists of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and its affiliated organisations in New York as Prime Minister Tarique Rahman arrives in the city to attend the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
Although no direct meeting between the Prime Minister and BNP leaders and activists has been scheduled during his New York visit, the absence of such a programme has not dampened the enthusiasm among expatriate party supporters.
Instead, BNP leaders and activists have been making preparations to welcome the Prime Minister, with Jackson Heights, a major hub of the Bangladeshi community in New York, witnessing rallies, processions and other activities.
Carrying banners and festoons, BNP supporters gathered in Jackson Heights and chanted slogans welcoming Tarique Rahman ahead of his arrival in the city.
Leaders and activists of the BNP’s New York City unit, Jatiyatabadi Samajik Sangskritik Sangstha (JASAS) and other affiliated organisations separately took part in the welcome activities.
Among those involved in preparations surrounding the Prime Minister’s visit is Golam Farooq Shahin, Special Assistant to the Foreign Affairs Advisory Committee of the BNP Chairman, who has been coordinating with party leaders and supporters in connection with the visit.
The activities are part of a broader mobilisation among expatriate BNP supporters in New York. Streets and prominent locations in Jackson Heights have been decorated with banners, posters and festoons, creating a festive atmosphere in the Bangladeshi neighbourhood.
According to community sources, 34 preparatory meetings have so far been held involving the USA BNP, its affiliated and associated organisations and former party leaders. Preparations have also focused on maintaining discipline during planned welcome programmes at John F Kennedy International Airport and near the UN headquarters.
For many expatriate BNP supporters, Tarique Rahman’s visit carries particular significance as he is scheduled to address the UN General Assembly on September 24 as Bangladesh’s Prime Minister.
The Prime Minister left Dhaka early Monday for New York to attend the 81st UNGA. He is scheduled to lead a 26-member delegation and deliver his address to the General Assembly on September 24.
His UNGA speech is expected to focus on 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 health, the Rohingya crisis and reform of the multilateral system.
He is also scheduled to begin his official UN engagements on September 22 with a welcome breakfast hosted by UN Secretary-General António Guterres for heads of state and government.
During the visit, the Prime Minister is expected to attend a number of high-level engagements with foreign leaders, UN officials and representatives of international organisations.
For BNP supporters in New York, however, the excitement surrounding the visit extends beyond the Prime Minister’s official diplomatic schedule.
Even without a reported direct meeting with party leaders and activists, his presence in New York has generated considerable interest among expatriate supporters, many of whom are preparing to gather at different locations to welcome him.
The banners, festoons, rallies and preparatory activities across Jackson Heights reflect the anticipation among sections of the Bangladeshi community as the Prime Minister prepares to take part in the UN’s premier annual diplomatic gathering.
Tarique Rahman is scheduled to leave New York for Dhaka on September 25.
