PM Tarique Rahman Arrives in New York for First Address on Global Stage

Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman arrived in New York on Monday, September 21, to attend the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).

He arrived at John F. Kennedy International Airport at 6:20 p.m. local time on a Turkish Airlines flight.

He was accompanied by his wife, Dr. Zubaida Rahman, and members of his delegation.

At the airport, the prime minister was received by Bangladesh’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Irene Khan, and Bangladesh’s Ambassador to the United States, Tariq Mohammad Ariful Islam.

The information was confirmed to the media by the prime minister’s Deputy Press Secretary, Zahidul Islam Rony.

After completing immigration and other formalities, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman was taken in a motorcade to the Hyatt Grand Central New York hotel, where he was welcomed by Bangladesh’s Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador AKM Wahiduzzaman.

The prime minister’s visit has generated considerable enthusiasm among leaders and activists of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and its affiliated organizations based in the United States.

BNP activists organized a welcome rally in the Terminal 8 area of JFK Airport to greet the prime minister upon his arrival.

The event, jointly organized by the US BNP and its affiliated organizations, was attended by a large number of expatriate Bangladeshis. Participants carried colorful posters, banners, festoons, the national flag of Bangladesh and BNP flags.

The airport area echoed with slogans including “Welcome Tarique Rahman” and “Welcome, Welcome Tarique Rahman,” as supporters greeted the prime minister with applause and cheers.

Before the rally, BNP leaders from different levels addressed a brief gathering. Those present included BNP Central Executive Committee members Mizanur Rahman Bhuiyan Milton, Gias Ahmed, Abdul Latif Samrat and Zillur Rahman Zillu, as well as New England BNP President Syed Badre Alam Saiful, California BNP President Badrul Alam Chowdhury Shiplu and New York Metropolitan BNP President Habibur Rahman Selim Reza, among others.

The speakers described Tarique Rahman’s visit as an important moment for the Bangladeshi community. They said his leadership has inspired expatriate Bangladeshis in their efforts to restore democracy, promote economic prosperity and enhance Bangladesh’s image internationally.

According to the prime minister’s schedule, he will stay in New York from September 21 to 25. One of the main events of his visit will be his address to the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly on September 24.

Earlier on Monday morning, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman left Dhaka on a Turkish Airlines flight. His flight made a stopover of approximately two hours and 35 minutes in Istanbul before continuing to New York.

During his stay in New York, the prime minister will stay at the Hyatt Grand Central New York hotel.

Following his engagements in New York, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is scheduled to depart for Bangladesh on the night of September 25.