President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has extended his heartfelt congratulations and greetings to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman for delivering what he described as a visionary, resolute and guiding speech at the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly.

In a congratulatory message on Friday (September 25), the president said the prime minister’s address clearly highlighted Bangladesh’s national interests, the aspirations of its people and the country’s positions on key global issues. He expressed hope that the speech would further enhance Bangladesh’s dignity and standing on the international stage.

The president said the speech reflected Bangladesh’s progress toward democracy following the end of what he described as fascist rule, along with commitments to democracy, human rights, good governance and accountability. It also outlined a vision for building a prosperous, self-reliant and welfare-oriented democratic state, including a “3-R” strategy of Recovery, Restoration and Reconstruction for rebuilding the country.

According to the congratulatory message, the prime minister highlighted Bangladesh’s positions and priorities on democratic progress, global peace, multilateralism, Palestine, the Rohingya crisis, climate change, the economy, employment, empowerment of women and youth, education, healthcare and technology.

The president also said the prime minister’s address presented a clear picture of the mounting pressure on the global economy caused by wars and conflicts, the energy security crisis, disruptions to global energy supply chains and worsening economic conditions due to rising inflation.

Praising the prime minister’s vision of the United Nations as the “centerpiece for building a consensual global community,” the president said the call for peace through dialogue, diplomacy and mutual cooperation was particularly significant in a conflict-ridden world.

Referring to the prime minister’s pledge of “Bangladesh First: Bangladesh for All,” the president said the message reflected the aspirations of the people for political and economic empowerment and for building a safe, peaceful and prosperous Bangladesh.

The president described Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s address to the UN General Assembly as a matter of pride for the nation, noting that he is the third member of the same family to address the assembly after Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia.

The president also wished Prime Minister Tarique Rahman good health and a safe and successful visit.