Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is set to become the third member of his family to address the United Nations General Assembly when he delivers his maiden speech at the 81st session in New York on September 24.
His father, Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, was the first member of the family to address the UN General Assembly. He spoke at the 11th Special Session on August 26, 1980, focusing on global poverty, hunger, economic inequality and the need for greater international cooperation.
His mother, former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia, first addressed the General Assembly on October 1, 1993, during its 48th session. She later spoke at several other UN proceedings, including the 50th anniversary commemorative meeting in 1995, the 27th Special Session on Children in 2002 and two meetings during the 60th session in 2005.
According to BSS, UN records show that Khaleda Zia addressed General Assembly proceedings on five occasions between 1993 and 2005.
Tarique Rahman's upcoming address will extend the family's association with the UN General Assembly across more than four decades, from Ziaur Rahman's appearance in 1980 to Khaleda Zia's repeated participation and now Tarique Rahman's first speech as prime minister.
State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam said the prime minister is scheduled to leave Dhaka for New York on September 21 to attend the 81st session of the UN General Assembly. He is expected to address the Assembly on September 24.
Climate change is expected to feature prominently in his speech, with Bangladesh set to present its priorities and position on the issue before the international community.
State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir said Tarique Rahman would present Bangladesh's new outlook and future vision, highlighting the country's democratic transformation, development priorities, global peace and sustainable solutions to international crises.
Poverty eradication, economic prospects, climate action and climate finance are also expected to feature in the address. The Rohingya crisis is likely to remain another major priority during his visit to New York.
The 81st session carries added significance for Bangladesh as Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman is serving as president of the General Assembly.
The UN's provisional schedule shows that the general debate of the 81st session will take place from September 22 to 26 and on September 28.
Tarique Rahman's maiden UN address will therefore mark the latest chapter in the family's engagement with the world's premier multilateral forum, following Ziaur Rahman's address in 1980 and Khaleda Zia's appearances between 1993 and 2005.
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