Niaz Mahmud, from New York
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has stressed the need for a sustainable solution to the protracted Rohingya crisis, safe and dignified repatriation of the refugees to Myanmar, and expansion of bilateral trade and investment during a series of high-level engagements on the sidelines of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
He also laid emphasis on exploring new areas of regional cooperation and strengthening development partnerships with Bangladesh's international partners.
The issues came up in the Prime Minister's separate meetings with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Bhutanese Prime Minister Dasho Tshering Tobgay, Maldives Vice-President Uz Hussain Mohamed Latheef, UN Secretary-General's Special Envoy on Myanmar Julie Bishop, UN High Commissioner for Refugees Barham Salih and other high-level representatives.
Mahdi Amin, Adviser to the Prime Minister and spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office, disclosed the details at a press briefing at the Bangladesh Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York on Tuesday evening.
He said the Prime Minister's first-day engagements focused on bilateral and multilateral diplomacy, regional cooperation, the Rohingya crisis, development partnerships and strengthening Bangladesh's relations with different countries.
Rohingya crisis gets priority
The Rohingya crisis featured prominently in the Prime Minister's first-day programme.
During his meeting with UN Secretary-General's Special Envoy on Myanmar Julie Bishop and UN High Commissioner for Refugees Barham Salih, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman stressed the importance of international cooperation to create a conducive environment for the safe, voluntary and dignified repatriation of Rohingyas to their homeland.
The Prime Minister also sought stronger international support for resolving the prolonged crisis and ensuring the eventual return of more than one million Rohingyas currently sheltered in Bangladesh.
He is scheduled to attend a high-level side event on the Rohingya crisis at the UN on Wednesday, jointly organised by Bangladesh and The Gambia. The event will focus on finding a durable solution to the protracted displacement of Rohingyas.
Focus on trade, investment
During his meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the two leaders discussed ways to further expand Bangladesh-Türkiye trade and investment ties.
They expressed commitment to strengthening the existing friendly relations and exploring new areas of cooperation based on mutual interests and shared priorities. They also discussed possibilities of expanding cooperation in trade, economy and investment. Erdogan invited Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to visit Türkiye.
In separate meetings with the leaders of Bhutan and the Maldives, the Prime Minister discussed strengthening bilateral relations and expanding cooperation in tourism, education, healthcare and people-to-people connectivity.
The leaders also exchanged views on enhancing regional cooperation and exploring new areas of partnership.
During a meeting with Haitian Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé, the two sides discussed bilateral relations, issues of mutual interest and regional and international cooperation. Bangladesh's experience in UN peacekeeping was also highlighted in the broader context of cooperation.
Development partnership
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman also met World Bank Group President Ajay Banga at the UN Headquarters.
They discussed Bangladesh's development priorities, economic progress and ways to further strengthen World Bank cooperation in the country's development activities.
Education, health, employment, trade, regulatory reforms and economic development were among the areas highlighted in discussions on future cooperation.
LDC graduation extension
Bangladesh's request for an extension of its LDC graduation preparatory period also remains an important diplomatic priority.
State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir said the issue was not discussed in detail during the bilateral meetings, but Bangladesh's position and the rationale behind its request had been conveyed to international partners.
He said Bangladesh had highlighted the post-Covid situation, prolonged political and institutional challenges and recent energy pressures while seeking international understanding and support.
He expressed optimism that Bangladesh would receive positive support when the issue comes before the UN General Assembly.
Engagement with world leaders
The Prime Minister's New York programme also included high-level diplomatic engagements beyond bilateral meetings.
On Tuesday morning, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and his wife Dr Zubaida Rahman attended a breakfast hosted by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres in honour of heads of state and government and their spouses.
Later in the evening, the Prime Minister and his wife attended a dinner hosted by US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump in honour of world leaders attending the 81st UN General Assembly.
Heads of state and government of UN member states and their spouses attended the dinner at the Lotte New York Palace Hotel in Manhattan.
These engagements provided the Prime Minister with opportunities for informal interaction with world leaders alongside his formal diplomatic programme.
Mahdi Amin said the Prime Minister's first-day programme demonstrated Bangladesh's efforts to prioritise national and people's interests while strengthening the country's position and dignity on the global stage.
The Prime Minister is scheduled to deliver his maiden address at the UN General Assembly's general debate on September 24, where Bangladesh's positions on global peace and security, climate change, sustainable development, economic cooperation and the Rohingya crisis are expected to feature prominently.
