Tarique on world stage, voicing Bangladesh’s aspirations

The vast General Assembly Hall of the United Nations was filled with world leaders on Thursday as Prime Minister Tarique Rahman walked to the podium in a black suit and red tie, smiling and acknowledging greetings from the audience.

As he took the floor at the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly, the hall broke into applause.

For a moment, the attention of Bangladesh and the wider international community turned to the Bangladeshi leader standing at the podium of the world’s premier multilateral forum.

It was more than a speech by a head of government. From the global stage, Tarique Rahman presented Bangladesh’s aspirations, concerns and expectations, while placing the country’s message before the international community at a time when conflicts, displacement and humanitarian crises continue to challenge the world.

At the outset, the prime minister paid tribute to the martyrs of Bangladesh’s Liberation War and to those killed and injured during the July-August 2024 mass uprising, recalling the sacrifices that shaped the country’s journey.

He then turned to the challenges confronting the world. In a world witnessing conflicts, displacement and humanitarian suffering, Tarique Rahman called for dialogue, diplomacy and mutual cooperation to resolve disputes.

He said international relations should be based on equality, fairness, mutual interests, respect and dignity, stressing the importance of the United Nations in building an understanding-based global community that respects the independence and sovereignty of all nations.

He also reaffirmed Bangladesh’s support for UN initiatives aimed at establishing global humanity and world peace.

The prime minister’s message on peace was closely linked to Bangladesh’s longstanding position on disarmament, non-proliferation and arms control. He said military expenditure at the cost of development budgets remains an obstacle to lasting peace.

The issue of Palestine also found a prominent place in his address as he reaffirmed Bangladesh’s unwavering support for the legitimate demands of the Palestinian people, including their right to self-determination and an independent State of Palestine.

Referring to more than 1.2 million forcibly displaced Rohingyas sheltered in Bangladesh for more than nine years, the prime minister said the origin of the crisis lies in Myanmar and that its solution must also be found there.

“The only solution to this problem is the safe return of the displaced Rohingya population to their homeland, Myanmar,” he said, calling for firm and effective international support for their repatriation.

He also urged the international community to continue life-saving humanitarian assistance until their safe return becomes possible, warning that failure to ensure justice could turn the prolonged crisis into an even greater humanitarian catastrophe.