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Amirul Islam, from New York: Prime Minister Tareque Rahman has reaffirmed Bangladesh’s unwavering support for the just demands of the Palestinian people, including the establishment of an independent Palestinian state and the right to self-determination.
He articulated this stance during his address at the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly at the UN Headquarters in New York on Thursday (September 24).
The Prime Minister stated that the democratic people of Bangladesh hold deep concern regarding the plight of the freedom-seeking Palestinian people.
He added, ‘Bangladesh reiterates its steadfast support for their legitimate demands, including the right to self-determination and the right to establish an independent Palestinian state.’
In his speech, the Prime Minister also highlighted the increasing impact of global conflicts and wars. He stated that human-made conflicts have created unstable situations in various countries worldwide, leading to the displacement of vast numbers of people and severe humanitarian crises.
Tareque Rahman mentioned that the global economy is also under severe pressure due to wars and conflicts. Energy security crises, disruptions in global supply chains, and rising inflation are further exacerbating the economic situation.
Calling for the establishment of a peaceful and humane world order, the Prime Minister said, ‘Our aspiration is a peaceful world—a humane global society where reason, diplomacy, education, and humanity, rather than weapons of destruction, become the tools of change.’
He stated that Bangladesh envisions the United Nations as the focal point for establishing a world order based on mutual respect for each other’s independence and sovereignty and mutual understanding.
At the beginning of his speech, the Prime Minister congratulated the newly elected President of the 81st session of the General Assembly and pledged Bangladesh’s full cooperation in fulfilling the responsibilities. He also thanked the outgoing President, Annalena Baerbock, for her leadership.
The Prime Minister paid deep tribute to the martyred freedom fighters of Bangladesh. He also commemorated the contributions of those who sacrificed their lives in the struggle to establish democracy, justice, and human rights in the country after independence.
He also paid tribute to those killed and injured in the mass uprising of July-August 2024.
Tareque Rahman stated that following a path of movement and struggle against fascist rule and exploitation for over a decade and a half, Bangladesh is now free from fascism.
The Prime Minister also reminisced about his family while standing on the UN stage.
He said, ‘Standing on this global stage of the United Nations today, I feel somewhat nostalgic. My father, Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, the Proclaimer of Bangladesh’s independence, and my mother, the late former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, both delivered speeches on behalf of the country and its people from this very global stage.’
The Prime Minister added, ‘Similarly, today I stand here for the interests of my country and its people, and with the expectation of a peaceful global society.’
This was Tareque Rahman’s first address as Prime Minister on the UN stage.