New York, Sept 17 (V7N) – Preparations among leaders and activists of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and its affiliated organisations in the United States have intensified ahead of Prime Minister and BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman’s scheduled visit to New York for the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly.

Tarique Rahman is scheduled to leave Dhaka for New York on September 21 and remain in the United States until September 26, according to State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir. During the visit, he is expected to address the UN General Assembly and hold a series of meetings on the sidelines of the high-level session.

The UN’s official calendar shows that the general debate of the 81st General Assembly will run from September 22 to 26 and on September 28 at UN Headquarters in New York. The high-level week will also include a number of meetings on global development, climate action, sea-level rise and pandemic preparedness.

Preparations Underway Across New York

BNP leaders and activists in New York have been holding meetings and coordinating programmes ahead of the Prime Minister’s arrival.

According to party sources, a joint virtual meeting of BNP and its affiliated organisations was held in August to discuss arrangements for the visit. Leaders from the BNP’s New York State and metropolitan units, along with representatives of affiliated organisations, took part in the discussions.

The meeting discussed a series of programmes during Tarique Rahman’s stay in New York, including a welcome programme and a large gathering outside the United Nations Headquarters on September 24. Responsibilities for mobilising supporters from different areas were also distributed among party leaders, according to participants.

Party sources said preparations had also involved a number of meetings among BNP leaders, former leaders of US BNP organisations and representatives of affiliated bodies in North America.

The preparations have continued into September. On September 11, the US unit of Jubo Dal held a preparatory meeting in Jackson Heights, New York, to coordinate activities surrounding the Prime Minister’s visit.

According to reports from the meeting, BNP and affiliated organisation leaders discussed arrangements for various programmes and called for coordination among party activists during the visit.

Focus on September 21 and 24

The September 21 arrival of the Prime Minister is expected to be a major focus of the preparations among BNP supporters in the New York metropolitan area.

Earlier party discussions included plans to welcome Tarique Rahman upon his arrival in New York. The party has also been preparing for programmes surrounding his scheduled appearance at the United Nations.

A large gathering outside the UN Headquarters has been planned for September 24, according to BNP sources. Leaders in different parts of New York have been conducting organisational preparations and public outreach ahead of the programme.

The exact arrangements and participation in individual programmes may continue to evolve as the Prime Minister’s official itinerary is finalised.

Tarique Rahman’s UNGA Agenda

The Prime Minister’s visit comes as Bangladesh assumes a prominent role in the 81st session of the UN General Assembly, with Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman serving as President of the General Assembly.

According to Bangladesh’s Foreign Ministry, Tarique Rahman is expected to present Bangladesh’s vision and future roadmap to the international community during his UN address.

The government has said his speech is expected to cover Bangladesh’s democratic transition, economic priorities, poverty reduction, climate finance, environmental protection and the country’s role in addressing international challenges. The Rohingya crisis is also expected to remain an important issue during the visit.

The Prime Minister is also expected to participate in bilateral and multilateral meetings with representatives of other countries during the high-level week. Officials have said details of some meetings may be finalised closer to the events.

First UN General Assembly Address as Prime Minister

The upcoming appearance will be Tarique Rahman’s first address to the UN General Assembly as Bangladesh’s Prime Minister, according to government officials cited by Bangladeshi media.

His planned visit is therefore drawing attention not only within the government and diplomatic community but also among Bangladeshi expatriates in the United States.

For BNP supporters in New York, the visit is also being treated as an important organisational occasion. Party leaders have been coordinating activities among state, metropolitan and affiliated organisations ahead of the Prime Minister’s arrival.

A Busy Week in New York

Tarique Rahman’s visit will take place during one of the busiest periods on the UN calendar, when heads of state, heads of government and senior representatives from around the world gather in New York for the General Assembly’s high-level week.

The UN has scheduled the opening of the general debate for September 22. Several high-level meetings will take place during the week, including meetings on the right to development, climate action, sea-level rise and pandemic preparedness.

Against this backdrop, BNP leaders and activists in the United States are continuing preparations for the Prime Minister’s arrival, his UN programme and various activities planned around his stay in New York.

The coming days are expected to bring further details about the Prime Minister’s schedule, the participation of expatriate Bangladeshis and the final arrangements for programmes organised by BNP and its affiliated organisations.

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