Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina arrived in USA on Monday to attend the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). A flight of the British Airways (BA 1593) carrying the premier and her entourage members landed at the JKF International Airport, New York at 10:42 pm (New York time) on September 17 after a four-hour stopover at the Heathrow Airport in London. BSS Reported. Bangladesh Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the UN Muhammad Abdul Muhith and Bangladesh Ambassador to the USA Muhammad Imran received the prime minister at the airport. Earlier, a flight of Biman Bangladesh Airlines carrying the premier and her entourages departed from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport for London en route to New York at 10:12am (BD time). On her way, the premier went round every nook and cranny of the Biman Bangladesh flight and exchanged pleasantries with the passengers. According to BSS, During her stay in New York on September 17-22, she will attend the first day of the high-level General Debate of the 78th UNGA session at the General Assembly Hall of the UN Headquarters on September 19 while she will address it on September 22 between 1pm to 2pm local time.  

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina left for New York, USA to attend the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). A VVIP flight of Biman Bangladesh Airlines carrying the premier and her entourage members departed from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 10:12 am. The flight is scheduled to land at the JKF International Airport, New York at 10:50pm (New York time) on September 17 after a four-hour stopover at the Heathrow Airport in London. Bangladesh Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the UN Muhammad Abdul Muhith and Bangladesh Ambassador to the USA Muhammad Imran will receive the prime minister at the airport.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasinaleave for New York, USA to attend the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on September 17. A VVIP flight of Biman Bangladesh Airlines carrying the premier and her entourage members will depart from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 9:45am. BSS Reports   The flight is scheduled to land at the JKF International Airport, New York at 10:50pm (New York time) on September 17 after a four-hour stopover at the Heathrow Airport in London.   Bangladesh Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the UN Muhammad Abdul Muhith and Bangladesh Ambassador to the USA Muhammad Imran will receive the prime minister at the airport. During her stay in New York from September 17-22, the premier will attend the first day of the high-level General Debate of the 78th UNGA session at the General Assembly Hall of the UN Headquarters on September 19 while she will address it on September 22 between 1pm to 2pm local time.   Sheikh Hasina was also invited to join a dinner hosted by US President Joe Biden on September 19 as well.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Thursday said that Bangladesh's active participation in all important meetings in the UN General Assembly (UNGA) would strengthen Bangladesh's position in multilateral forums along with widening the field of international cooperation on issues relating to the country's interests. "During the UN assembly, Bangladesh actively participated in all important meetings and I hope that this participation would strengthen Bangladesh's position in multilateral forums and widen the field of international cooperation on issues relating to Bangladesh's interests. Overall, I think Bangladesh's participation in this session was very successful," said the premier in a written speech at the outset of a press conference about her just-concluded official visit to the United Kingdom and the United States.  In her speech, Sheikh Hasina touched a number of important issues, including climate change, the Rohingya crisis and the global crisis erupted from the Russia-Ukraine war. She attended a reception at the invitation of US President Joe Biden when she invited the US President and First Lady to visit Bangladesh. As the members of the Bangladesh delegation to the UN session, the foreign minister, education minister, health and family welfare affairs minister, state minister for foreign affairs, members of Parliament and senior officials participated in various important meetings and bilateral talks. For over five years, she said Bangladesh has been giving shelter to more than 11 lakh Rohingya people who were forcibly displaced from Myanmar. Bangladesh has given temporary shelter to the persecuted Rohingya population on humanitarian ground, she said. The prime minister said she participated in a high-level side event organized jointly by Bangladesh along with European Union, the USA, the UK, Canada, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Indonesia and Gambia jointly on the Rohingya issues on September 22. Bangladesh has taken bilateral, trilateral and multilateral initiatives so that the Rohingyas can return to their home of origin with dignity and safely . But, due to the lack of political will of the Myanmar government, the safe repatriation of the Rohingyas has not been possible yet, she added. The premier said she called upon the United Nations to play an effective and strong role in putting pressure on Myanmar to create a safe environment for return of the Rohingyas in Rakhine State and to execrate the repatriation process of Rohingyas. Sheikh Hasina said the Prime Minister of Barbados and she jointly chaired a session on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) titled "One Health Global Leaders Group on AMR". She also joined a roundtable arranged by US-Bangladesh Business Council where she invited the US business leaders to invest in Bangladesh's industrial zones, including information technology, renewable energy, shipbuilding, automobiles, pharmaceuticals, medical industry, marine industry, 100 special economic zones and several hi-tech parks. In her speech in the General Debate of the UNGA, she put emphasis on showing mutual solidarity more than at any time in the past aiming to tackle the food and fuel crisis and economic uncertainty caused by the corona virus pandemic and the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. She said developing countries, including Bangladesh, are being affected more because of all these crises and for this reason she called upon the international community to resolve crises and disputes through dialogue rather than imposing economic sanctions and counter-sanctions.  During the speech, the premier said she highlighted Bangladesh's various actions and achievements and urged the world leaders to stimulate inclusive climate actions to address the adverse impacts of climate change and implement the Paris Agreement and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. Sheikh Hasina said she highlighted the Bangladesh's commitment to and participation in nuclear disarmament, preventing terrorism and the UN peacekeeping and peace-building activities to establish global peace. I reiterated our support for the establishment of just rights for the Palestinians in the Middle East. The prime minister said she joined some important bilateral meetings during the UN general assembly. On the sidelines, she held meetings with the President of Slovenia, the President of Ecuador, the President of Kosovo, the Prime Minister of Cambodia, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, the Executive Director of UN Habitat, the Director General of the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the President of the UN's High Representative, Global Affairs Meta, the World Economic Forum Executive Chairman and the UN Secretary General. In all these bilateral meetings, I discussed various issues relating to mutual and global interests. On September 24, she virtually participated in a reception party hosted by Bangladeshi expatriates living in the United States. During her stay in Washington DC, influential US media outlets Energy-Environment News, CBS, The Washington Post and The Politico interviewed Sheikh Hasina. Various issues like climate change, the Rohingya crisis, the global crisis resulted from the Russia-Ukraine war, and internal politics were discussed in these interviews. Earlier, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina went to London on September 15 to attend the funeral of the Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain. On September 18, she and her younger sister Sheikh Rehana attended a reception in honor of heads of state and government hosted by the King of the United Kingdom at Buckingham Palace. After paying last respects to the Queen Elizabeth II, in the condolence book, the Prime Minister wrote in Bangla, 'I am on behalf of the people of Bangladesh, my family and my younger sister Sheikh Rehana expressing profound sympathy'. Sheikh Rehana wrote on the condolence book "She is the queen of our hearts and always will remain so".   On September 16, the President of the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) Lord Karan Bilimoria of Chelsea paid a courtesy call on me. She paid tributes to Lord Bilimoria's late father Indian Army General Faridun Bilimoria, recalling his contribution to the Bangladesh's Liberation War. Lord Bilimoria as the Chancellor of the University of Birmingham expressed his interest to develop partnership with Bangladesh on higher education. Leader of the Opposition and Labour Party in the UK Sir Keir Starmer paid a courtesy call on her on September 17 and expressed satisfaction at the increasing number of representatives of Bangladeshi origin elected from Labour Party. Lord Swraj Paul of Marylebone also paid a courtesy call on her.  

Imran Khan’s party Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on Saturday termed prime minister Shehbaz Sharif’s speech at the 77th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) as a copy-paste version of Imran Khan’s speech at the same platform.   “It was a copy-paste of Imran Khan’s address,” PTI Senior Vice Chairman Shah Mahmood Qureshi said in a statement, reported Geo News.   Qureshi said that Shehbaz addressed the issues in a similar manner as the PTI chairman did during his speech. “Maybe he copy-pasted an earlier speech of Imran Khan.”   It was a good gesture of Shehbaz Sharif to remind the developed world that they were behind the climate catastrophes across the globe, but what steps have Shehbaz Sharif and his brother [Nawaz Shairf] taken for climate change?” Qureshi questioned pointing out to Sharif’s remark at UNGA, where he said that the purpose of his speech was to explain the impact of the climate catastrophe that has put one-third of Pakistan in such a situation that “no one had seen in living memory”.   The PTI leader alleged that if the previous governments of PPP and PML-N had built water storage facilities in the last four decades, the country would not be facing such a grave situation right now, reported Geo News.   Since June this year, Pakistan has endured harsh monsoon weather resulting in a serious humanitarian and development crisis.   According to government estimates, about 33 million people across the country have been affected by unrelenting heavy rains and flooding – the worst in decades.   Millions of acres of crops and orchards – many of those ready to harvest – have been damaged and destroyed, and the next planting season is threatened. Agriculture is a critical source of sustenance and livelihood for the majority of families in Pakistan, and for the economy of the country.   Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in his speech at UNGA highlighted the devastation caused by the floods in his country due to the impact of the climate catastrophe and urged the global leaders to act before it’s too late.   “For 40 days and 40 nights, biblical flood poured on us. Even today, huge swathes of the country are still underwater. 33 million people including women and children are at high risk of health hazards. More than 1,500 of my people have gone from the world including 400 children. Far more are in peril,” he said underlining that Pakistan emits less than 1 per cent of greenhouse gases yet why his people were paying the price of global warming.   He stated that the future was “dimmed by new fragility, lost homes, decimated livelihoods, deluged croplands, permanent food insecurity and exposure to uncertain futures”.   “Some 11 million people will be pushed further below the poverty line, while others will drift to cramped urban shelters, leaving little room for climate-smart rebuilding.”   “Nature has unleashed her fury on Pakistan without looking at our carbon footprint, which is next to nothing. Our actions did not contribute to this,” he reiterated.   Pakistan’s PM said that the leaders of the world have to come together to “act now.”   Source: ANI

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today gave utmost importance on dialogue to resolve crises and disputes, urging the world community to stop arms race, war and sanctions for building a peaceful world. "My urge to the conscience of the world community- stop the arms race, war, and sanctions, ensure food and security of the children; build peace," she said. The Premier made this call while delivering her speech at the 77th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA)in New York in the UN headquarters. "We believe that antagonism like war or economic sanctions, counter-sanctions can never bring good to any nation," she said, adding "Dialogue is the best way to resolve crises and disputes." She continued that "We believe without addressing root causes of conflict, we cannot sustain peace." Wanting to see a peaceful world with enhanced cooperation and solidarity, shared prosperity and collective actions, Sheikh Hasina said "We share one planet, and we owe it to our future generations to leave it in a better shape." She went on saying that "We want the end of the Ukraine-Russia conflict." She noted that in punishing one country with sanctions, counter-sanctions, the entire world including women and children are being punished. "Its impact is not limited to a country, rather puts the lives and livelihoods of the people in greater risk, infringe their human rights; people are deprived of food, shelter, healthcare and education," she said, adding, "Children suffer the most in particular. Their future is lost in darkness." The 77th session of the UNGA is taking place from September 13 to 27 at the UN Headquarters in New York, in the first in-person format since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic with heads of states and governments from 193 Member States.   The UNGA session is taking place at a time when overlapping crises unfold around the world with food insecurity is looming, humanitarian needs are deepening, climate goals remain largely unmet, inequality is worsening.   The world leaders will exchange statements in-person in the General Assembly Hall, on the theme "A watershed moment: transformative solutions to interlocking challenges" to consider and debate how they can collectively solve the shared problems of present time-and create a more sustainable, more just future for all. Alongside the Russia-Ukraine war, the peace and stability, climate change, food insecurity, Covid-19 pandemic, Palestine and migration issues among others concerning the global as well as Bangladesh perspectives were prominently featured in Sheikh Hasina's speech in the 77th session of the UNGA. "Growing food insecurity, energy and economic crisis are affecting us all," she said. She observed that countries that are already in vulnerable situations needing support to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) will now face even more challenges to achieve the SDGs. "Today we've reached a critical time, when mutual solidarity must be shown more than at any time in the past. We need to prove that in times of crisis, the UN is the cornerstone of the multilateral system," she said, adding "Therefore, in order to gain the trust and confidence of the people at all levels, the UN must lead from the front and work to fulfill the expectations of all." In this context, she mentioned about the Global Crisis Response Group (GCRC) and said "as a champion of this group, I am working with other world leaders to determine a global solution commensurate with the gravity and depth of the current situation". The Prime Minister said that Bangladesh is fully committed to complete disarmament, including the non-proliferation of nuclear weapons and that is why it has ratified the landmark Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons in 2019. "We've consistently implemented our commitment to peacekeeping operations", she added. As a reflection of our peace-centric foreign policy, she said Bangladesh has consistently demonstrated its commitment to UN peacekeeping operations as the leading troops and police contributing country, presently being the largest. They (peacekeepers) help maintain peace, support capacity building of national and local institutions, protect the civilians from harm, empower women and other vulnerable communities and build a sustainable society, she said, adding that while performing their duties, many of them died. The Bangladesh Premier said as the current Chair of the UN Peacebuilding Commission, her country is doing their part by creating a platform for multi-stakeholder engagements in support of the conflict affected countries. "We are committed to continue our efforts in strengthening the women, peace and security (WPS) agenda," she said. Mentioning that Bangladesh has adopted a "zero tolerance" policy on terrorism and violent extremism in its land, she said "We do not allow our territory to be used by any party to incite or cause terrorist acts or harm to others." She also called upon the member states to work together for the conclusion of an internationally binding instrument to tackle cyber-crimes and cyber-violence. Mentioning the brutal and pathetic tragedy of her life on 15 August 1975 when her father Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman along with most of family members were killed, she said "So, myself as a sufferer, I can rightly realize the pain and agony that people endure due to the horrors of war, killings, coups and conflicts." She said "Therefore, I don't want war, I want peace, I want welfare for humankind. I want economic development for people. I want to ensure a peaceful world, developed and prosperous life for future generations." She continued "My earnest appeal to you, 'stop war, stop arms race'. May the values of humanity be upheld." "Let us join our hands together and build a better future leaving no one behind," she added. Rohingya Crisis: Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina called upon the United Nations and the global leaders to take effective measures for sustainable repatriation of the Rohingyas, warning the global community that if the problem persists further it may affect stability and security beyond its region. "The ongoing political turmoil and armed conflicts in the country has made the repatriation of the displaced Rohingyas more difficult. I hope the United Nations will play an effective role in this regard," she said.  The premier told the gathering of world leaders that last month Bangladesh has witnessed the five years of the 2017 mass exodus of the Rohingyas to Bangladesh from their home country. "Not a single Rohingya was repatriated to their ancestral home Myanmar, despite our bilateral engagements with Myanmar, discussions with partners in trilateral format and engagements with the UN and other partners to assist Myanmar to create necessary conditions for safe and dignified repatriation," she said with great concern. To ensure a permanent solution to the Rohingya issue, she said "I shall now seek your attention to the forcibly displaced Rohingya peoples from Myanmar." The Prime Minister said the prolonged presence of the Rohingyas in Bangladesh has caused serious ramifications on the economy, environment, security, and socio-political stability in Bangladesh. "Uncertainty over repatriation has led to widespread frustration. Cross border organized crimes including human and drug trafficking are on the rise. This situation can potentially fuel radicalisation. If the problem persists further, it may affect the security and stability of the entire region, and beyond," she warned. Climate Change: The Prime Minister said that the impact of climate change is one of the biggest threats for humankind. "In the past, we have seen a vicious cycle of promises being made and broken. We must now change this course." In Bangladesh, she said, the government has led to many transformative measures to tackle perilous impacts of climate change consistent with implementing the Paris Agreement and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. During Bangladesh's Presidency of Climate Vulnerable Forum, Sheikh Hasina said that they've launched "Mujib Climate Prosperity Plan", which aims to put Bangladesh on a sustainable trajectory from "one of vulnerability to resilience to climate prosperity". She said "Our national plans and policies on climate change and natural disaster are gender responsive and take into account the critical role of women in adaptation and mitigation." She added that "We are ready to support other vulnerable countries to develop their own prosperity plans. I call on world leaders to promote inclusive climate action." Covid-19 Pandemic: Since the beginning of the pandemic in Bangladesh, the Prime Ministe said that her government has taken strategies to contain this crisis mainly focusing on three aspects. Firstly, the government expanded national health care to prevent the transmission and spread of the infection, she said, Secondly, she said, they have provided strategic fiscal stimulus to safeguard the country's economy. And finally, the government has secured people's livelihood, she added. She said that these initiatives have helped reduce the number of deaths due to pandemic as well as reduce public suffering. Mentioning that vaccination is the key to safe transition from the pandemic, Sheikh Hasina thanked the World Health Organization and its COVAX system and partner countries for providing this vaccine. As of August 2022, 100 percent of the eligible population of Bangladesh have been vaccinated, she added. The greatest lesson, learnt from the Covid-19 pandemic is that "Until we all are safe, no one is safe," she said, adding "We must use the hard-earned lessons to stimulate critical and much needed reforms of our institutions, including of the United Nations, to better prepare for such calamities in the future." The Premier said that Bangladesh is interested in looking for transformative solutions to poverty alleviation, mitigating climate change effects, preventing conflicts and finance, energy and fuel crises that the world is grappling with now. "However, we need to understand the fact that socio-economic development cannot be achieved without ensuring peace and stability," she added. Source: BSS AH

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will address on Friday afternoon the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York and focus on ensuring peace and stability in the lives of people around the world. The Prime Minister will deliver her speech in the 77th session of the UNGA on Friday afternoon (local time), said Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen while briefing reporters about the activities of the Prime Minister on the sidelines of UNGA session. He said the premier in her speech will put emphasis on multilateralism. "We will force for the peace, we will say that the best way to get out of any kind of conflict is through dialogue and peaceful resolution," he said. Momen said that Sheikh Hasina will also mention the fact that Bangladesh has dealt with the Covid-19 epidemic very well and Bangladesh is among the top countries in the world in dealing with the pandemic. He said despite the pandemic, Bangladesh has achieved considerable economic success and for achieving that the Prime Minister will highlight the steps Bangladesh has taken. "We have given various stimulus packages and incentives. We will also highlight them there," he added. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will also highlight the climate issue in her speech, said Momen. "All the time we say that we have to save the world and the thing that is needed to save this world is the global temperature must not exceed 1.5 degrees Celsius. We do not see the implementation of the Paris Agreement that was made to save the Earth and give 100 million dollars every year." The foreign minister said that Bangladesh expects those who are responsible for the global warming will share the responsibility of rehabilitating the victims due to climate change. The Prime Minister will bring that up in his speech, he said. The Foreign Minister said that the Awami League government is giving houses to the landless people across the country. "We are giving people a home and a life. We will show the world that we have done a very good job." He mentioned that the main focus of Bangladesh is it wants peace. "Peace and stability. We will say that peace and stability are most needed for the well-being of the common people," he added. Source: BSS AH

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina left Dhaka this morning for an official tour to the United Kingdom and the United States to join the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II and the 77th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). A VVIP chartered flight of Biman Bangladesh Airlines carrying the Prime Minister and her entourage members departed the Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, Dhaka at 10.35am. The flight is scheduled to reach London Stansted International Airport at 16.45 hours where she will be received by High Commissioner of Bangladesh to the United Kingdom Saida Muna Tasneem. On the second day, on September 16, Secretary General of Commonwealth Patricia Scotland will pay a courtesy call on her at place of residence. Later, Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon, UK, Minister for South Asia, North Africa, the United Nations and the Commonwealth at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) will also pay a courtesy call on her at place of residence. On September 17, Sir Keir Starmer, Leader of the Opposition and Leader of the Labour Party will pay a call on her at place of residence. Besides, the Premier will attend the reception programme for the Head of the States/Head of the Governments hosted by the King of the UK at Buckingham Palace on September 18. On September 19, she will attend the state funeral of the late Queen Elizabeth II at Westminster Abbey. In the evening, the Prime Minister is scheduled to depart London for New York by the Special Flight of Biman Bangladesh Airlines. She will be received by Ambassador of Bangladesh to the United States Muhammad Imran and Permanent Representative of Bangladesh to the UN Muhammad Abdul Muhith when she will reach the JFK International Airport. On September 20, Sheikh Hasina is scheduled to attend a reception meeting hosted by UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres and join the inaugural ceremony of 77th session of UNGA. She will have bilateral meetings with Filippo Grandi of UNHCR and Slovenian President Borut Pahor. She will also join the UNGA Platform of Women Leaders. At the end of the day, she will attend the reception of US President Joe Biden. Besides, she will join a high-level side event on sustainable housing co-hosted by Bangladesh, Botswana, Slovak Republic and UN Habitat on September 21. On the same day, she will have a bilateral meeting with WEF Executive Director Professor Schwab Klaus and join the Global Crisis Response Group (GCRG) Champions' Meeting. In the afternoon, the Prime Minister will visit the photo exhibition on the Padma Bridge at UNHQs followed by bilateral meeting with Kosovo President Dr Vjosa Osmani-Sadriu, Ecuador President Guillermo Lasso Mendoza and Rabab Fatima, USG OHRLLS. The Prime Minister will start September 22 through a breakfast meeting on antimicrobial resistance (AMR) followed by a courtesy call on by IOM Director General Antonio Vitorino. She will also join a high level policy roundtable with the US Bangladesh business council. Later, she will have bilateral meetings with Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen and ICC Prosecutors Nick Klegg and Karim Khan. On September 23, the Prime Minister will deliver her address at the General Debate of the 77th Session of the UN General Assembly. Besides, she will join a civic reception by the expatriate Bangladeshi on September 24. Source: BSS AH

The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) has unanimously adopted the resolution on graduation of Bangladesh from the Least Developed Country (LDC) category.    With the adoption of this resolution, Bangladesh completes all the procedures to be graduated from the LDC category.   This is a landmark achievement in Bangladesh's development journey, which coincides with the celebration of the 50th anniversary of Bangladesh's independence and the birth centenary of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.   Speaking after the adoption of this landmark resolution on November 24, the Permanent Representative of Bangladesh to the United Nations, Ambassador Rabab Fatima thanked all the member states, especially the development partners, for their support to reach consensus for the adoption of this resolution.   She said, "Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina envisioned transforming Bangladesh into a middle-income country by 2021 and a developed country by 2041. She has led us from the front in this exciting journey despite the unprecedented challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic".    Stressing that the graduation of an LDC is not only a success of the country itself but also a testimony of the strength of multilateral partnership led by the UN, Fatima said, "graduation should not be a punishment; it should be a reward." She highlighted the importance of ensuring an incentives-based international support structure to graduating and graduated LDCs.   She also called for tailored and clearly laid down roadmaps to address every aspect of graduation challenge, namely, post-graduation international support measures, smooth transition, financing for SDGs implementation etc.    She said that the upcoming 5th United Nations Conference on the LDCs (LDC5) to be held in Doha, Qatar provides the development partners a good opportunity to come up with a transformative programme of action for the LDCs for the next decade.   The Draft Doha Programme of Action (DPOA) identified graduation as one of its priority areas. It has set a target to enable 15 additional LDCs to meet the criteria for graduation by 2031. The success of this ambitious target will largely depend on enhanced support and solidarity from the development partners.   It is to be mentioned that Ambassador Rabab Fatima and Ambassador Robert Rae of Canada are co-chairing the preparatory process of the LDC5 conference.   Later, Rabab Fatima tweeted from New York on Wednesday evening (BD time) that, "What better way to celebrate 50th anniversary of our independence and birth centenary of Bangabandhu (Father of the Nation Sheikh Mujibur Rahman)".    She said that it's a fulfillment of national aspiration and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's vision 2021.   On November 24, The UNGA adopted the resolution on 'Graduation of Bangladesh, the Lao People's Democratic Republic and Nepal from the LDC category, according to the UN's official website.   The three countries will graduate from the LDC category after an exceptionally extended preparatory period of five years (the standard period is of three years) to enable them to prepare for graduation while planning for a post-COVID-19 recovery and implementing policies and strategies to reverse the economic and social damage incurred by the COVID-19 shock, said the UN. Source: BSS AH

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today (Monday) said international pressure on Myanmar would continue for a permanent solution to the protracted Rohingya crisis as the issue was widely discussed in the 76th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) session.         "The issue of the Rohingya crisis and its permanent solution was discussed elaborately in the UNGA session which I believe will (help) continue global pressure on Myanmar for taking back their Rohingya nationals from Bangladesh," she said.   The premier said this in a written statement while briefing newsmen about the outcome of Bangladesh's participation in the 76th UNGA session.   She hoped that participation of the Bangladesh delegation in the session would strengthen Dhaka's position in the multilateral forum and expand the scope of getting international cooperation to the issues involving Bangladesh's interest.    Sheikh Hasina said she went to New York on September 19 to attend the 76th UNGA in person which was her maiden foreign tour after two years since the  COVID-19 outbreak began.    "I had passed busy days during my stay in New York (from September 19-24) and joined 10 meetings including main session of the 76th UNGA and eight bilateral talks there. I also took part in the inaugural day of the general debate," she said.        She said foreign minister, state minister for foreign affairs, lawmakers and high-level government officials accompanied her.           The Prime Minister said that she later went to Washington DC from New York on September 25.           She said that she also inaugurated “Bangladesh House” in Maryland of the USA that carries the memory of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.         Sheikh Hasina said the main focus of this UNGA session was sustainable transition from the pandemic, pining point “expectation" in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic.       She said the universal accessibility and availability of COVID vaccines and sustainable recovery from the pandemic have naturally dominated the discussion.         Besides, issues like climate change, women's empowerment, equality and inclusion, racism, sustainable development goals, disarmament of nuclear weapons etc have also come up in the discussion, the premier added.         Sheikh Hasina said in the very first day of her visit on September 20 she was conferred with “SDG Progress Award” by the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) for Bangladesh's highest success in attaining SDG during 2015-2020.   SDSN President and renowned economist Professor Jeffery Sachs handed over the award to her, she said.         “This award is a global recognition of Bangladesh's steadfast development even during the Covid-19 pandemic, and that's why I dedicated this award to the people of the country in my thanksgiving speech,” the premier said.   She said the special attraction of this visit was setting up a “Permanent Bench” and planting a centenary tree sapling   at the UN headquarters on the occasion of the birth centenary of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. “It is notable that this is the first such initiative to pay homage to any political leader on the premises of the UN headquarters, which is undoubtedly a rare honor for Bangladesh,” she said.         The Prime Minister said on September 24, 2021 she addressed the general debate of UNGA where she spoke in Bengali this time too like every time.        "In my speech, I’ve emphasized ensuring universal and affordable availability of Covid-19 vaccines in order to build a corona virus free world, and simultaneously urged the world leaders to consider Covid-19 vaccine as a 'global asset' in eliminating vaccine inequality,” she said.       The Prime Minister said she also urged the rich countries to finance and transfer technology freely for sustainable adaptation to the countries at risk of climate change for reducing their damage caused by the Covid-19 pandemic as well as decreasing the carbon emissions of rich and industrialized countries and providing compensation.       As the President of the Climate Vulnerable Forum and Vulnerable-20 Group of Ministers of Finance, the premier said, she briefed the world leaders on the activities of Bangladesh's “Mujib Climate Prosperity Plan-Decade 2030”.         “I also call upon the United Nations to ensure partnerships and the necessary resources to address the damage caused by the ongoing pandemic and to invest in digital equipment and services, access to the internet as well as raise teachers' skills for the sustainable recovery.”         Highlighting Bangladesh's success in coming out of the list of least developed countries (LDCs), Sheikh Hasina said she proposed to formulate an "incentive-based transit framework" to the development partners.         “We urge the countries that receive migrants to ensure justified rights of migrants, their employment, health and welfare,” she said.         Regarding the Rohingya crisis, the premier once again reminded the world leaders that the cause of the Rohingya crisis is in Myanmar, and the solution also lies in Myanmar.       Calling upon the international community to take constructive steps in this regard, she noted, "Only a safe, sustainable and dignified repatriation (of Rohingyas) to their homeland in Rakhine State can be a permanent solution to this crisis.”      Ahead of COP-26, she said, one of the topics of this year's UNGA debate was to tackle climate change and its adverse impacts.       Sheikh Hasina said a closed-door meeting was held on September 20 at the joint initiative of the UN Secretary General and the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom with the participation of the heads of state and government of several countries who are vocal about climate change.         The Prime Minister said she was invited to the conference as one of the most vocal world leaders about climate change and the  President of the CVF.         Taking part in this conference, she said she spoke in favor of new financial management to address the risks of climate change and the free transfer of green technology to climate-risk-prone countries.    “We’ve also called on the international community to play an effective role in rehabilitating people displaced by climate change.”         On September 21, 2021, at the invitation of Abdullah Shahid, President of the 76th UNGA Session, Sheikh Hasina said she attended a high-level meeting with the participation of women leaders from around the world.         In addition to her, the leaders of Norway,Moldova, Estonia, Tanzania, Barbados and the European Commission participated in this event, she said.         "During the meeting, I’ve highlighted the contribution of women to the economy and health sectors of Bangladesh. I’ve also emphasized the necessity to build grassroots leadership and ensure the political and financial benefits of women-led organizations.”     Sheikh Hasina said that she also joined a roundtable meeting on September 21, 2021 organized by US-Bangladesh Business Council where high-level representatives from various famous US organizations, including Chevron, General Electric and MetLife participated.      In her keynote speech at the event, she highlighted the existing investment opportunities in Bangladesh and urged the US businessmen to make investment in Bangladesh.      On the sideline of the UN General Assembly, at the invitation of US President Joe Biden, on 22 September 2021, the prime minister attended a high-level meeting on Covid-19 where she outlined the steps and achievements of the government of Bangladesh in tackling the ongoing pandemic.      Besides, on September 22, 2021 a high level meeting on the Rohingya issue organized by the European Union, United Kingdom, Ireland, Saudi Arabia, OIC, Turkey, Indonesia, Gambia and Bangladesh was held on the sideline of the UNGA where Sheikh Hasina delivered the keynote speech.      The foreign ministers of Turkey, Gambia, Indonesia and Hungary, the Minister of State for South Asian Affairs of the United Kingdom, as well as high level representatives from various countries including the United States, India, the Netherlands, France and Germany and special envoy of ASEAN also spoke at the event, she said.      Mentioning that Rohingya crisis is the creation of Myanmar and its solution is also depends on Myanmar, the premier urged all (participating leaders) to emphasize on few issues and those are as follows :       A. Prioritizing the repatriation highest, all activities have to be conducted for this purpose.     B. To find out a permanent solution to the Rohingya crisis through repatriation despite the changed political situation in Myanmar.      C. ASEAN countries should play an effective role in creating a favorable environment for the repatriation of Rohingyas to Myanmar.      D. Take and implement effective measures and projects to create a favorable environment for the repatriation of Rohingyas to Myanmar by the UN and development partners.      E. To co-operate in the ongoing process in ICJ and other international organizations to ensure justice for the violence and ethnic cleansing of the Rohingya.      On September 23, 2021 the prime minister attended a high-level meeting on equality and inclusion at the invitation of the Presidents of Spain, Costa Rica and Sierra Leone, and the prime minister of Sweden. She laid emphasis on the elimination of vaccine and digital inequality and special funding for least developed and climate-risk countries.      She said that in the context of Covid-19 and climate change, the issue of ensuring food security for the world is also prominent in this session.      Sheikh Hasina participated at a high-level meeting on "United Nations Food Systems Summit 2021" on September 23, 2021 where she highlighted Bangladesh's success in achieving food security.      "We also call for the creation of a special fund for transfer of technology in tackling the impacts of climate change and ensuring sustainable food security," she added.  The Prime Minister said she had participated in several bilateral meetings on the sidelines during the UNGA session. She held meetings with Barbados Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottle, Swedish Prime Minister Stefan Löfven, Kuwaiti Prime Minister Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, UN Secretary General’s Special Advocate for Inclusive Finance for Development and Queen of the Netherlands Maxima, UN Secretary General António Guterres, Maldivian President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, Vietnam President Nguyen Xuan Phuc and Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte.  Taking part in all these bilateral meetings, the Prime Minister discussed various issues of mutual interest as well as sought the attention and cooperation of the international community in resolving the Rohingya crisis.  In addition, during her visit to New York, on September 24, 2021, she participated virtually in a reception of expatriate Bangladeshis living in the United States. At the same time, she also spoke at the press conference.  Sheikh Hasina said the key issues of this year's UNGA session were particularly relevant to Bangladesh, especially Bangladesh's participation in the summits regarding universal availability of the Covid-19 vaccine and its sustainable recovery from the pandemic was very important.  In addition, as one of the most vulnerable countries of climate change and as the President of the Climate Vulnerable Forum, she said “we have made our demands strongly by participating in climate-related meetings.”  Besides, the prime minister  also presented the progress of Bangladesh in women empowerment in the world court which has been widely appreciated in all quarters.  The premier said the issue of Rohingya and its permanent solution was discussed extensively in this UNGA session, which she hopes will continue the international pressure on Myanmar for the repatriation of Rohingyas. “I am hopeful that the active participation of the Bangladesh delegation in the 76th Session will strengthen Bangladesh's position in the Multilateral Forum and expand the scope of international cooperation in Bangladesh's interest,” she noted.  The Prime Minister said that she later went to Washington DC from New York on September 25.  She said that she also inaugurated “Bangladesh House” in Maryland of the USA and planted a tree on September 29 that carries the memory of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.  Source: BSS AH