PM highlights Bangladesh’s interests and sovereignty at UN, says Mahdi Amin

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman strongly highlighted Bangladesh’s national 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, Mahdi Amin described the UN visit as highly productive and successful, saying it had elevated Bangladesh’s position on the international stage.

He said the visit was particularly significant as, after a long gap, a government elected by the people of Bangladesh had represented the country at the global forum. Leaders of governments and states from various countries also warmly welcomed the prime minister, he added.

According to Mahdi Amin, Tarique Rahman completed the four-day trip on a tight schedule with a relatively small delegation, attending 30 programmes that included key bilateral and multilateral meetings.

The prime minister took part in eight major UN events and delivered speeches at seven of them, including what Mahdi Amin described as a historic address to the UN General Assembly.

The PMO spokesperson said the packed itinerary also featured several high-level engagements. Bangladesh hosted two special events focusing on universal healthcare and the Rohingya crisis, while the prime minister attended two other high-level international events on environmental issues and healthcare.

Focus on education, healthcare and AI

Describing the prime minister’s UN address, Mahdi Amin said Tarique Rahman presented specific policies and plans covering people across different sectors, including education, healthcare, agriculture, employment, technology and artificial intelligence, as well as youth and women.

He said the plans would be implemented gradually, adding that the prime minister had not limited his speech to Bangladesh’s development but had also called strongly for global peace.

On Bangladesh’s position regarding Palestine, Mahdi Amin said the Bangladeshi delegation walked out after the Israeli prime minister began his UN address, calling the move a clear expression of Bangladesh’s commitment to peace.

He said the government would draw on the experience of the UN visit and work collectively to make Bangladesh more self-reliant and economically self-sufficient.

The government would also continue efforts to promote domestic and international peace, protect human rights, ensure inclusive development, uphold the rule of law and improve people’s living standards, he added.

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 any party and had been taken earlier on the basis of bilateral interests.

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

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

He said Tarique Rahman held bilateral meetings and discussions with leaders of 11 countries during the visit, apart from his engagements with the United States and the United Nations.

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

Energy security, Rohingya crisis discussed

Mahdi Amin said energy security was a major issue in discussions with leaders from Middle Eastern countries. The talks focused on coordinated efforts and negotiations to address the ongoing crisis.

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

According to him, the countries and organisations involved assured Bangladesh of their support in resolving the crisis. He added that the international community had highly praised Bangladesh’s humanitarian approach and its decision to provide shelter to Rohingyas.

Mahdi Amin said international partners and world leaders had expressed clear commitments to cooperate with Bangladesh and support its interests during 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 in connection with the incident, as far as he knew.

He said the government’s position was clear: anyone using the names of government officials or claiming links to the ruling party would face legal action.

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

Mahdi Amin said the government was taking prompt action following investigations into isolated or sporadic incidents.

He added that the Home Ministry and law enforcement agencies remained active in maintaining internal peace and upholding the rule of law, stressing that strict action would be taken 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.