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Correspondent, NEW YORK: The US chapter of Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and its affiliated organisations have made preparations to welcome BNP Chairman and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman upon his arrival in New York on Monday to attend the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly.
The preparations were outlined at a meet-the-press event at Adda Restaurant in Jackson Heights, New York, on Saturday evening. BNP International Affairs Secretary Anwar Hossain Khokon spoke about the significance of Tarique Rahman’s visit and the programmes planned to welcome him at John F Kennedy International Airport.
Khokon described the visit as “a matter of great pride” for Bangladesh, saying Tarique Rahman would attend the UN General Assembly as a prime minister elected by the people.
He also referred to Tarique Rahman’s parents, saying his father, former president Ziaur Rahman, and mother, former prime minister Khaleda Zia, had previously addressed the UN General Assembly.
Khokon said Tarique Rahman would now address the global forum as their successor.
He also claimed that it would be a rare occurrence in the history of the UN for a father, mother and child to address the General Assembly as heads of state or government.
The BNP leaders also highlighted Bangladesh’s role in the 81st General Assembly, noting that Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman would serve as president of the General Assembly.
They said the election of a Bangladeshi to preside over the UN’s 81st session after four decades would further enhance the country’s image on the international stage.
The press conference also paid tribute to those killed and injured during the July-August 2024 uprising, with the organisers praying for the souls of those who died and wishing a speedy recovery for those injured.
Citing a UN report, the BNP leaders claimed that more than 1,400 people were killed and over 30,000 injured during the violence under the previous government.
They also expressed support for what they described as an ongoing reconstruction process in Bangladesh under the leadership of Tarique Rahman following the fall of the previous government.
The leaders said a “Probashi Card” would be introduced for expatriate Bangladeshis within this year, alongside initiatives such as the Farmer Card, Family Card and Sports Card.
They said the proposed card would offer various facilities and help make more effective use of the investment, expertise and skills of Bangladeshis living abroad in the country’s development.
At the end of the press conference, the leaders urged expatriates to remain alert against what they described as anti-state conspiracies.
They also called on BNP leaders and activists to participate in programmes related to Tarique Rahman’s visit in a disciplined and responsible manner, while complying with US laws and instructions from law enforcement agencies.
BNP Central Joint International Affairs Secretary Nahidul Khan Sahel, central members Abdul Latif Samrat, Zillur Rahman Jillu, Gias Ahmed and Mizanur Rahman Milton Bhuiyan, and New York South BNP President Habibur Rahman Selim Reza, among others, attended the event.
Senior US BNP leaders Sharafat Hossain Babu and Mostafa Kamal Pasha Babul were also present.