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● 3 members of same family address UNGA: A gobal first ● PM meets Antonio Guterres at UN HQ ● Tarique Rahman proposes four measures to tackle climate risks ● Dr Zubaida Rahman will also get family card: Shahe Alam ● Govt to adjust fuel prices once Middle East crisis subsides: State Minister ● Ekramul murder: Indictment hearing deferred to Sunday ● No local govt election this year

Tarique Rahman delivers maiden UNGA address in Bangla

Published : Friday, 25 September, 2026 at 8:14 AM

Staff Correspodent

Delivering his maiden address as head of government at the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on Wednesday, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman presented his vision to build an equitable, democratic, prosperous, and welfare-oriented Bangladesh.

Addressing the assembly in Bangla at the UN Headquarters, the Prime Minister reflected on the nation's democratic transition, economic strategies, climate vulnerability, and key foreign policy positions under the banner: "Bangladesh First, Bangladesh for All."

The Prime Minister began by honoring the martyrs of the 1971 Liberation War, those who sacrificed for democracy over the past five decades, and the martyrs and injured of the July-August 2024 mass uprising.

'People Are the Source of Our Power'

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman noted that following more than fifteen years of political struggle, Bangladesh achieved freedom from fascism. He stated that the people entrusted the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) with governance during the national election on February 12.

"We believe that the people are the ultimate source of all political power," he emphasized, reiterating his government's dedication to political and economic empowerment.

Rebuilding Through the 'Three-R' Strategy

To overcome past misgovernance, corruption, money laundering, and human rights abuses, the government has adopted a "Three-R" strategy: Recovery, Restoration, and Reconstruction.

He highlighted efforts to transform the country's demographic dividend into skilled human resources, noting a $4 billion allocation in the current fiscal year to support startup initiatives for young entrepreneurs, researchers, and innovators.

Women and Economic Empowerment

Underlining that women constitute over half of the population, the Prime Minister detailed plans to prioritize women's education, employment, and entrepreneurship. Measures include expanding cash financing for female SMEs and offering tuition-free education for women up to the undergraduate level.

To ensure economic growth reaches every household, the government is rolling out social protection programs—including the Family Card, Farmers Card, Sports Card, and E-Health Card—with plans to consolidate them into a single "Universal Card."

Implementation of the 31-Point Outline

The Prime Minister confirmed that the government is actively implementing its 31-point state reform outline. He noted that 73 per cent of the program aligns directly, and 27 per cent indirectly, with the UN Sustainable Development Goals' (SDGs) core principle of "Leave No One Behind."

Education, Health, and Sports

Highlighting the highest-ever budgetary allocation for education, health, and sports, the Prime Minister noted that practical and vocational curricula are being prioritized. Primary school students are receiving bags, uniforms, and free school meals, while sports have been added to the syllabus to build professional athletic pathways.

Technology and Artificial Intelligence

Addressing global technological developments, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman warned against emerging divides. "We do not want today's digital divide to become tomorrow's Artificial Intelligence divide," he remarked, urging the UN to establish effective guidelines and advocating for affordable technology transfer to developing nations.

Climate Change and Environment

Emphasizing Bangladesh's extreme vulnerability to climate impacts despite minimal global carbon emissions, the Prime Minister urged stronger climate finance commitments ahead of COP-31.

He outlined national ecological initiatives, including a five-year campaign to plant 250 million trees, expanding clean and solar energy, excavating 20,000 kilometers of canals for flood and drought management, and implementing the Teesta Master Plan and Padma Barrage projects.

Global Cooperation and UN's Role

The Prime Minister reaffirmed Bangladesh's commitment to multilateralism, peaceful diplomacy, and international law. He criticized the diversion of development budgets toward global military spending and reiterated Bangladesh's firm support for nuclear non-proliferation, global disarmament, and the self-determination of the Palestinian people for an independent state.

Rohingya Solution Lies in Myanmar

Addressing the long-standing crisis of hosting over 1.2 million forcibly displaced Rohingyas for over nine years, the Prime Minister stressed that the situation poses immense pressure on Bangladesh's resources, security, and environment.

"The root cause of the Rohingya crisis lies in Myanmar, and so does its solution. Their safe and dignified repatriation to their homeland is the only sustainable answer," he urged, calling on the international community to sustain humanitarian assistance until repatriation is achieved.

Reminiscing His Parents

Concluding his address, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman shared a personal reflection on standing at the iconic UN podium.

"Standing at this global forum today, I feel a sense of nostalgia. It was from this very podium that my father, the announcer of Bangladesh's independence, Proklamator and former President Ziaur Rahman, and my mother, former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia, addressed the world on behalf of our nation. Today, I stand here to uphold the interest of my country and people, advocating for a peaceful global order," he stated.

-JB/SA