Nearly four decades after a Bangladeshi diplomat took the helm of the United Nations General Assembly, Bangladesh is set to play a prominent role at the ongoing session, with Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman serving as president of the 81st UN General Assembly.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is scheduled to deliver his first address to the UN General Assembly as prime minister, highlighting Bangladesh’s priorities and concerns on the global stage.

Tarique Rahman is scheduled to leave for the United States on September 21 to present Bangladesh’s position and the expectations of its people at the international forum.

The prime minister is also expected to attend a dinner hosted by US President Donald Trump on September 23 and address the General Assembly on September 24.

His speech is expected to focus on the Rohingya crisis, the challenges Bangladesh faces due to climate change and the need for greater international support for climate action and financing.

Saimum Parvez, special assistant to the prime minister, said Bangladesh believes countries that have contributed significantly to global warming should provide greater financial support to vulnerable countries. He said the government would highlight the need for grant-based climate financing at the United Nations.

The government is also expected to showcase its initiatives to protect the environment, including tree plantation, canal re-excavation and increasing the use of renewable energy.

Parvez said Bangladesh would present its environmental initiatives to the international community, including a plan to plant 250 million trees over five years as part of efforts to reduce carbon emissions.

Members of the prime minister’s delegation also hope that the UN General Assembly and bilateral meetings on the sidelines will help attract greater foreign investment to Bangladesh.

Parvez said the government wants to protect the environment and contribute to global efforts to address the climate crisis. He expressed the expectation that aligning Bangladesh’s initiatives with the interests of international partners could create opportunities for new investment.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is scheduled to return home on September 26 after concluding his visit.