Prime Minister Tarique Rahman strongly presented Bangladesh’s interests, sovereignty, independence and potential on the global stage during his four-day visit to the United Nations General Assembly, Prime Minister’s Adviser and PMO spokesperson Mahdi Amin said on Sunday after returning to Dhaka with the premier.

Speaking at a briefing at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport following the visit, Mahdi Amin said the UN trip had been highly fruitful and successful and had taken Bangladesh to a higher position on the global stage.

He said the visit was significant as, after a long time, a head of government elected by the people of Bangladesh had represented the country on the world stage. He added that heads of government and state from different countries had warmly received the prime minister.

According to Mahdi Amin, the prime minister completed the four-day visit with a very short schedule and a small delegation, taking part in 30 programmes, including several important bilateral and multilateral meetings.

He said Tarique Rahman participated in eight major UN events and delivered important speeches at seven of them, including what he described as the prime minister’s historic address to the UN.

The PMO spokesperson said the busy schedule also included several high-level events. The Bangladesh government organised two special programmes, one on universal healthcare and another on the Rohingya crisis. The prime minister also attended two other global high-level events on the environment and healthcare.

Focus on education, health and AI

Describing the prime minister’s UN speech, Mahdi Amin said Tarique Rahman outlined specific policies and plans for people from all sections and professions, covering education, healthcare, agriculture, employment, technology and artificial intelligence, as well as young people and women.

He said the plans would be implemented gradually and added that the prime minister had not spoken only about Bangladesh’s development but had also made a strong call for world peace.

Referring to Bangladesh’s position on Palestine, Mahdi Amin said Bangladesh staged a walkout after the Israeli prime minister began his address at the UN, describing the move as a clear message from Bangladesh in favour of world peace.

Mahdi Amin said the government was committed to drawing inspiration from the successful UN visit and working together to make Bangladesh self-reliant and self-sufficient.

He added that the government’s efforts to maintain domestic and international peace, protect human rights, ensure inclusive development, establish the rule of law and improve the lives of people would continue.

Boeing deal prioritised Bangladesh’s interests

Responding to a question about the purchase of Boeing aircraft, Mahdi Amin said the decision was not imposed on anyone and had been taken earlier based on bilateral interests.

He said the prime minister was not present when the agreement was signed, but representatives of the two countries signed it with Bangladesh’s interests given the highest priority.

Mahdi Amin also said Bangladesh and the United States had signed a memorandum of understanding on “Strategic Civil Nuclear Cooperation” during the visit. The agreement was also concluded at a separate sideline meeting without the prime minister’s presence.

He said the prime minister held bilateral meetings and discussions with the leadership of 11 countries during the visit, beyond his programmes with the United States and the United Nations.

According to Mahdi Amin, Bangladesh’s sovereignty, national interests and the welfare of its people were prioritised in all those discussions.

Energy security, Rohingya crisis discussed

Mahdi Amin said energy security was a key focus of discussions with leaders of Middle Eastern countries. The talks covered ways to address the current crisis through coordinated efforts and effective negotiations.

He also said Bangladesh held productive discussions with ASEAN countries and international organisations working on human rights and displaced people over the Rohingya crisis.

According to him, each country and organisation assured Bangladesh of its support in resolving the crisis. He said the international community had highly praised Bangladesh’s generosity and humanitarian approach in providing shelter to Rohingyas.

Mahdi Amin said international partners and world leaders had expressed clear commitments to work together and stand by Bangladesh on issues concerning the country’s interests during the bilateral and multilateral meetings.

Govt vows action against lawbreakers

Asked about the recent attack on a healthcare centre in Mirpur, Mahdi Amin said nine people had been arrested very quickly in connection with the incident, as far as he knew.

He said the government’s position was clear and that anyone using the name of government officials or anyone associated with the party would face the full force of the law.

“We are already seeing that progress,” he said, adding that the law enforcement agencies and the Home Ministry would take whatever measures were necessary to ensure the law was enforced more swiftly.

Mahdi Amin said the government was taking prompt action after investigating isolated or sporadic incidents.

He added that the Home Ministry and law enforcement agencies were highly active in maintaining internal peace and establishing the rule of law, and that the government would take strict action against anyone violating the law or attempting to create instability.

Prime Minister’s Press Secretary Saleh Shibli, Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Rumon and Assistant Press Secretary KM Nazmul Haque were also present at the briefing.