USA Bureau 

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on.Tuesday  attended the opening of the high-level general debate of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) at the UN Headquarters in New York.

Accompanied by his wife, Dr Zubaida Rahman, the Prime Minister joined the high-level debate at the North Delegates' Lounge of the UN Headquarters at 9:00am (New York time), according to PM's Assistant Press Secretary K M Nazmul Haque.

The opening segment was addressed by UN Secretary-General António Guterres and chaired by the President of the 81st UNGA session, Bangladesh Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman.

Upon arrival at the venue, the Prime Minister was accorded a formal welcome before joining other world leaders for the session. Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and Dr Zubaida Rahman attended a welcome breakfast hosted by UN Secretary-General António Guterres for heads of state, heads of government, and their spouses attending the global assembly.

The 81st session of the UNGA is focusing on key global challenges, including climate change, the resolution of global conflicts, the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and international economic cooperation.

On the sidelines of the General Assembly, the Prime Minister is expected to hold several bilateral meetings with heads of state, heads of government, and representatives of various international organisations.

He is also scheduled to deliver Bangladesh’s statement at the General Debate, where he will highlight global peacekeeping, climate justice, and the country's recent socio-economic progress.

State Ministers for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir and Shama Obaed Islam, PMO spokesperson Mahdi Amin, senior government officials, and Bangladesh’s Permanent Representative to the UN were among those present during the session.

The 81st session of the UN General Assembly formally opened on September 8, while its high-level General Debate commenced today.