25 September :Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman delivered his address in Bangla at the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly. He was the 11th speaker among 18 speakers during the afternoon session on the third day of the General Debate. Nearly a decade after the last Bangla address by a Bangladeshi prime minister at the UN’s global forum, he used the platform to present Bangladesh’s perspectives and priorities on a range of international issues.
In his address, the prime minister outlined Bangladesh’s positions on climate change, global peace and security, sustainable development, economic cooperation, human rights and humanitarian crises, migration and the Rohingya issue. He also reaffirmed Bangladesh’s support for an independent Palestine.
At the beginning of his speech, the prime minister congratulated Khalilur Rahman, president of the 81st session of the UN General Assembly, and assured him of Bangladesh’s full cooperation in discharging his responsibilities. He also praised the leadership of outgoing President Annalena Baerbock.
Tarique Rahman then paid tribute to the martyrs and freedom fighters of Bangladesh’s Liberation War, as well as those who sacrificed their lives in movements for democracy, justice and human rights after independence. He also paid tribute to those killed and injured in the July-August 2024 mass uprising.
In his speech, the prime minister said conflicts anywhere in the world have repercussions for other countries under the current global system. Wars and conflicts are displacing large numbers of people and creating humanitarian crises. At the same time, the global economy is facing energy security challenges, disruptions to supply chains and inflationary pressures.
He said conflicts should be resolved through dialogue, diplomatic processes and mutual cooperation. He stressed the importance of building bilateral and multilateral relations based on equality, fairness, mutual interests, respect and dignity. Bangladesh wants to see the United Nations at the centre of efforts to establish such a cooperative global order, he said.
On Palestine, the prime minister said Bangladesh’s support for the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people, including their right to self-determination and the establishment of an independent state, remains unwavering. He also reaffirmed Bangladesh’s commitment to complete and general disarmament, preventing the proliferation of nuclear weapons and arms control.
Describing the Rohingya crisis as a major humanitarian and security challenge for Bangladesh, the prime minister said the country had been hosting more than 1.2 million forcibly displaced Rohingya from Myanmar for more than nine years. He said the situation had placed significant pressure on Bangladesh’s resources, environment, security and local communities.
Tarique Rahman said the source of the Rohingya crisis lies in Myanmar and its solution also lies there. The safe repatriation of the Rohingya to their homeland is the only solution to the crisis, he said. He called for effective international support for this process and urged the international community to continue humanitarian assistance until repatriation takes place.
On climate change, the prime minister said Bangladesh contributes very little to global carbon emissions but is bearing a significant share of the adverse impacts. Bangladesh therefore expects stronger global action at the upcoming COP31 on climate justice, climate financing and adaptation support.
Highlighting the country’s own climate adaptation initiatives, he said a programme had been undertaken to plant 250 million trees over the next five years. Alongside expanding the use of clean and solar energy, the government has also taken an initiative to excavate 20,000 kilometres of canals across the country.
On water management, the prime minister referred to the Teesta Master Plan and the Padma Barrage Project. He also highlighted Bangladesh’s commitment to cooperation on transboundary water management.
The prime minister also outlined various plans for the country’s economic and social transformation. He said the government was working to turn the working-age population into a skilled workforce. He also announced an allocation of $4 billion in the current fiscal year for startup initiatives aimed at young entrepreneurs, researchers and innovators.
The prime minister identified women’s empowerment, education, employment and the development of women entrepreneurs as government priorities. He also highlighted plans to expand social protection through Family Cards, Farmers’ Cards, Sports Cards and e-Health Cards.
Tarique Rahman said Bangladesh wanted to ensure not only electoral democracy but also the democratisation of the economy. He said the goal was to establish a state where everyone, regardless of religion, ethnicity or political differences, could live with equal rights, respect and dignity.
On technology and artificial intelligence, he said the current digital divide must not become an AI divide in the future. He called for technology transfer, skills development and affordable access to modern technologies for developing countries.
Towards the end of his address, the prime minister said Bangladesh wanted to build a country where young people would have opportunities to fulfil their dreams, women would move forward with confidence and every child would have the opportunity to develop their potential. With this vision in mind, he said: “Bangladesh first—Bangladesh for everyone.”
The prime minister concluded his address by reaffirming Bangladesh’s unwavering support for humanity across the world.
Source: Full text of the Prime Minister’s address to the United Nations.