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Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s participation in 10 major programmes on the first day of his New York visit reflected a “360-degree diplomatic and economic strategy”, said Mahdi Amin, adviser to the prime minister and spokesperson for the Prime Minister’s Office.
Speaking at a press briefing in New York on Tuesday, Mahdi said the government’s priority was to protect public interests while enhancing Bangladesh’s image and dignity internationally.
The prime minister attended 10 of 12 scheduled engagements on the first day of his four-day US visit, including the opening plenary of the 81st UN General Assembly, a breakfast hosted by the UN secretary-general and a dinner hosted by US President Donald Trump. His wife, Dr Zubaida Rahman, accompanied him at the two social engagements.
Tarique also held bilateral meetings with the prime ministers of Bhutan and Haiti, the vice president of the Maldives and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, according to Mahdi. Discussions covered regional cooperation, people-to-people connectivity, tourism, education and healthcare, as well as Bangladesh’s peacekeeping experience and the Rohingya crisis.
Mahdi described Tarique’s participation in the UNGA as a historic moment, noting that former President Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia had previously represented Bangladesh on the world stage. He said the occasion was particularly significant because Bangladesh’s foreign minister was also presiding over the General Assembly session.
Erdogan congratulated Tarique on his electoral victory and UNGA participation and invited him to visit Türkiye, while the two leaders discussed strengthening bilateral ties, Mahdi said.
