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Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has said the government is pursuing a “Three-R” strategy — Recovery, Restoration and Reconstruction — to rebuild Bangladesh following years of what he described as authoritarian rule and exploitation.
Addressing the general debate of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly at UN Headquarters in New York on Thursday, the prime minister outlined the government’s development vision for a “new democratic Bangladesh”.
He said the strategy was aimed at repairing the damage caused by the previous period and advancing Bangladesh towards long-term structural transformation.
Tarique said the government was working to transform the country’s working-age population into skilled human resources and develop Bangladesh as a manufacturing hub.
It has allocated $50 million in the current fiscal year for start-up initiatives involving young entrepreneurs, researchers and innovators, he said.
The prime minister also highlighted programmes aimed at women’s education, employment and entrepreneurship, as well as social protection initiatives including the Family Card, Farmers’ Card, Sports Card and e-Health Card.
He said the government wanted to ensure not only electoral democracy but also the “democratisation of the economy” so that the benefits of economic growth reached families and citizens across the country.
On climate change, Tarique said Bangladesh remained highly vulnerable despite contributing relatively little to global carbon emissions.
He called for stronger international action on climate justice, climate finance and adaptation support.
He also urged the international community to take effective measures to resolve the Rohingya crisis, stressing that the displaced Rohingyas must eventually return safely to their homeland in Myanmar.
Calling for equitable access to artificial intelligence and modern technology, he warned that today’s digital divide should not become tomorrow’s AI divide.
The prime minister concluded by reaffirming Bangladesh’s support for the principles and values of the United Nations and expressing his vision of a safe, peaceful and prosperous country under the slogan “Bangladesh First: Bangladesh for All.”
