News Desk: New York, September 25, 2026 (BSS): Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has departed from New York to return home after concluding a five-day visit to attend the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
An Emirates flight carrying the Prime Minister departed from John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York at 11:30 PM local time, bound for Dhaka via Dubai. The Prime Minister is accompanied by his wife, Dr. Zubaida Rahman, and members of his entourage.
The Prime Minister’s Press Secretary, Saleh Shibli, confirmed this information to BSS.
The flight is scheduled to arrive in Dubai at 8:00 PM on September 26. From there, it will depart for Dhaka at 2:00 AM, with the Prime Minister expected to arrive at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 8:40 AM on September 27.
During the visit, the Prime Minister delivered a speech in Bangla at the UNGA General Debate for the first time. In his address, he highlighted Bangladesh’s position and priorities regarding various issues, including global peace and security, climate change, sustainable development, humanitarian crises, economic cooperation, and the Rohingya crisis.
In the speech delivered on September 24, the Prime Minister reaffirmed Bangladesh’s support for UN initiatives aimed at establishing global humanity and peace. He emphasized the importance of dialogue, diplomacy, and mutual cooperation in resolving conflicts.
He pledged to establish a prosperous, self-reliant, and welfare-oriented democratic Bangladesh by ensuring the political and economic empowerment of the people and equal opportunities for all. To this end, he outlined the government’s ‘Recovery, Restoration, and Reconstruction’ (3-R) strategy.
Regarding the Rohingya crisis, the Prime Minister stated that safe and dignified repatriation is the only solution to this protracted crisis. He sought stronger cooperation from the international community to create an environment conducive to voluntary repatriation.
During the visit, he held separate meetings with Julie Bishop, the UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy on Myanmar, and Barham Salih, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees. During a meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the Prime Minister discussed expanding trade and investment between Bangladesh and Turkey, as well as exploring new avenues for economic cooperation. Emphasis was also placed on the need for coordination regarding various regional and international issues.
In separate meetings with Bhutanese Prime Minister Dasho Tshering Tobgay and Maldives Vice-President Uz Hussain Mohamed Latheef, the Prime Minister discussed strengthening existing friendly relations and exploring new areas of bilateral, regional, and international cooperation.
Discussions held with World Bank Group President Ajay Banga focused on Bangladesh’s development priorities, economic progress, strengthening World Bank cooperation, and identifying new areas of partnership.
The Prime Minister also met with Haitian Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé, discussing bilateral relations, matters of mutual interest, and regional and international cooperation.
On September 22, the Prime Minister and his spouse attended a welcome breakfast hosted by UN Secretary-General António Guterres in honor of world leaders and their spouses. Later, they attended a reception hosted by the US President for leaders participating in the UN General Assembly.
On September 23, the Prime Minister participated in a breakfast meeting with representatives from the Gates Foundation, Visa Foundation, Rockefeller Foundation, International Rescue Committee, and Rotary International. There, he presented Bangladesh’s perspective on humanitarian challenges, international cooperation, climate change, sustainable development, and economic partnerships.
During this time, the Prime Minister also met with Mark Suzman, CEO of the Gates Foundation. Discussions covered public health, child care, immunization, affordable vaccines, preventive healthcare, and the modernization of health systems.
The Prime Minister also delivered a speech at the high-level meeting titled “Climate Action and the Just Transition.” She called for concerted global action, rapid and substantial reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, and predictable climate financing for climate-vulnerable nations to build a safe and sustainable future for the next generation.
During a meeting with Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković, emphasis was placed on expanding trade and investment, strengthening economic partnerships, and enhancing cooperation in areas such as skilled manpower, education, technology, and multilateral forums.
As part of Bangladesh’s economic diplomacy during the visit, an agreement was signed between Biman Bangladesh Airlines and Boeing for the purchase of 11 aircraft. This move highlighted initiatives to expand the country’s aviation sector and launch new international routes.
On September 24, the Prime Minister delivered the opening remarks at a high-level meeting addressing the existential threat posed by rising sea levels. She called for rapid and significant reductions in global carbon emissions, predictable and accessible adaptation financing, the widespread use of climate-resilient technologies, and strengthened international cooperation.
In a bilateral meeting with Pakistan’s Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, the two leaders discussed bilateral relations, regional and international situations, and potential areas of cooperation.
At a high-level event on midwifery organized by Bangladesh, Sweden, and UNFPA, the Prime Minister outlined her vision for building a “Healthy Bangladesh.” She emphasized placing primary healthcare at the core of health sector reforms.
