USA Bureau

 Prime Minister Tarique Rahman addressed the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 81) at the UN Headquarters in New York on Thursday night, September 24, 2026, delivering a call for global peace, climate justice, migrant rights, and the dignified repatriation of Rohingya refugees.

During his address, the Prime Minister outlined a framework for a peaceful global community alongside a self-reliant, democratic Bangladesh. He began by congratulating the President of the 81st Session and expressing gratitude to outgoing President Annalena Baerbock. He paid tribute to the martyrs of the 1971 Liberation War and commemorated those who sacrificed their lives or were injured during the July-August mass uprising of 2024 against fascism.

Highlighting political developments, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman noted that the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) assumed office following a free and fair national election held on February 12, 2026, asserting that the people remain the source of all political power. He recalled the historic UN addresses delivered by his father, Proclaimer of Independence and former President Ziaur Rahman, and his mother, former Prime Minister Late Khaleda Zia, affirming his commitment to advancing national interests and global peace.

Addressing global conflicts and economic instability, the Prime Minister noted that war-driven supply disruptions, energy crises, and inflation severely impact developing nations. He advocated for diplomatic dialogue and mutual cooperation to resolve disputes, urging world leaders to halt the diversion of development budgets toward military spending. He also reiterated Bangladesh's steadfast support for the self-determination and statehood of the Palestinian people.

Regarding the over 1.2 million displaced Rohingyas hosted in Bangladesh, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman emphasized that the crisis originated in Myanmar and its resolution lies there. He called upon the UN to take effective steps for their safe and dignified repatriation while urging international partners to maintain interim humanitarian assistance.

On climate change, he stressed that despite negligible global carbon emissions, Bangladesh remains extremely vulnerable. He demanded climate justice and adaptation support ahead of COP-31, while highlighting domestic initiatives including planting 25 crore trees over the next five years, re-excavating 20,000 kilometers of canals, and implementing the Teesta Master Plan and the Padma Barrage project.

Outlining domestic economic reforms, the Prime Minister stated that Bangladesh has embarked on a democratic renewal following fifteen years of autocratic rule. To restore the economy and state framework, the government has adopted a "Recovery, Restoration, and Reconstruction" (3-R) strategy, alongside establishing a $50 million start-up fund for youth and developing Bangladesh into a manufacturing hub.

He detailed social safety net programs including the issuance of "Family Cards" to female household heads to foster women's economic empowerment, alongside Farmers' Cards, E-Health Cards, and Sports Cards. He highlighted that the education budget has reached a historic high, with plans to allocate 5 percent of GDP to education within five years, while providing free uniforms, bags, and mid-day meals to primary school students and integrating sports into the national curriculum.

Warning against a growing "Artificial Intelligence divide," Prime Minister Tarique Rahman urged the UN to formulate comprehensive guidelines ensuring the constructive application of AI and social media technologies.

Concluding his address under the motto "Bangladesh First: Bangladesh for All," the Prime Minister affirmed that a state cannot be strong while its citizens remain disempowered, reiterating Bangladesh's commitment to UN values for global peace and prosperity.