Shibbir Ahmed — Dr. Zubaida Rahman, wife of Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, attended U.S. First Lady Melania Trump’s “Fostering the Future Together” gathering Tuesday at The St. Regis New York, joining an international group focused on children’s education, technology, digital skills and online safety. Dr. Zubaida Rahman attended the Manhattan event at the invitation of Melania Trump, highlighting Bangladesh’s continuing engagement with the international initiative as the United States hosts a new gathering of participating First Spouses and leaders during the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly.

The event brought together international participants and private-sector partners to discuss ways to expand opportunities for children through education, technology and responsible digital innovation. Melania Trump has made children’s education, digital literacy, artificial intelligence and online safety central themes of the Fostering the Future Together initiative.

For Bangladesh, Dr. Zubaida’s participation marks a continuation of her involvement in the initiative. She previously took part in the inaugural Fostering the Future Together: Global Coalition Summit in Washington, D.C., in March 2026, also at Melania Trump’s invitation. The two-day summit brought together First Ladies and spouses of leaders from more than 45 countries.

During the March summit, Dr. Zubaida addressed issues surrounding children’s welfare, education, healthcare and the responsible use of technology. She highlighted Bangladesh’s initiatives related to family support, education and healthcare and emphasized the potential of artificial intelligence and digital learning to help reduce educational disparities.

She also met Melania Trump during the Washington summit. According to reports from the March event, the two discussed cooperation on initiatives aimed at improving children’s welfare.

Dr. Zubaida’s presence in New York comes as she accompanies Prime Minister Tarique Rahman during his visit to the United States for the 81st UN General Assembly. The prime minister and his wife arrived in New York on September 22, with Zubaida traveling as part of his delegation.

The New York gathering also reflects the expansion of Melania Trump’s initiative beyond its inaugural Washington summit. The coalition has increasingly focused on partnerships involving education technology, artificial intelligence, digital skills and online protection, with governments, First Spouses and private-sector organizations participating in the effort.

For Bangladesh, Dr. Zubaida Rahman’s participation in both the March Washington summit and Tuesday’s New York gathering places the country within an international dialogue centered on the future, education and well-being of children.

Shibbir Ahmed, New York — U.S. First Lady Melania Trump on Tuesday brought together representatives of 57 nations and technology-sector leaders at The St. Regis New York to expand her Fostering the Future Together initiative, unveiling new private-sector partnerships and plans for a series of international events focused on children’s education, technology and online safety.

The gathering took place during the 81st United Nations General Assembly and marked the latest expansion of a coalition that seeks to use technology and education to help children learn, grow and prepare for the digital future. The Office of the First Lady said the event would welcome new member nations, announce strategic partnerships with technology companies and present the initiative’s 2026 international events calendar.

Melania Trump: “Choose our children first”

In her remarks, Melania Trump emphasized the importance of giving children access to education and technology while ensuring that technological development serves their long-term interests.

“True empowerment begins by giving a child the confidence to believe that their mind has value,” Trump said. “It means giving children the freedom to imagine a world beyond the one they know today.”

She said the coalition’s work is focused on using technology to create educational opportunities for young people and to equip them for a rapidly changing world. The First Lady also highlighted the new partnerships with major technology companies and the investments being made to expand access to educational technology and artificial intelligence.

Fostering the Future Together is organized around four principal areas: AI in Education, EdTech Tools, Online Protection and Digital Skills. The White House says participating First Spouses and equivalent leaders work with their governments to identify technologies that can support children, educators and parents while protecting young people from online dangers.

Trump also announced plans for a series of Fostering the Future Together conferences around the world. She said the initiative’s first G20 event will be held in Miami in December. Concluding her remarks, Trump urged the participating leaders to turn their discussions into practical action.

“Let history say at the moment of extraordinary possibility, leaders from around the world came together to foster the future together and chose our children first,” she said.

Michael Waltz and Charity Wallace among speakers

The event’s listed speakers were Melania Trump, U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Michael Waltz, and U.S. Special Envoy for Best Future Generations Charity Wallace. Waltz praised Trump’s work on the initiative, saying she was focused on turning the coalition’s goals into concrete action rather than advocacy alone. Wallace has also played a central role in coordinating the U.S. government’s work with the initiative. On Monday, she hosted a State Department announcement unveiling seven new technology-sector partnerships connected to Fostering the Future Together.

Seven new technology partnerships

The State Department announced Monday that Adobe, Amazon, Google, Intel, N50, Starlink and Zoom had established new partnerships through Fostering the Future Together. The partnerships involve more than 15 countries and are intended to expand educational and technological access and opportunities for children and young people.

The new commitments include $4 million from Google to expand its Google AI Educator Series and $2.75 million in new Zoom grants connected to its AI for Good initiative. Other commitments involve AI education, digital literacy, coding, internet connectivity and technology training. The initiative’s four pillars—AI in education, EdTech tools, online protection and digital skills—form the framework for the new partnerships.

First Spouses from around the world

The New York gathering brought together representatives of the coalition’s 57 member nations. The State Department said the coalition includes First Spouses from countries including France, Poland, the United Arab Emirates, Panama, the Philippines, St. Kitts and Nevis, Israel, Morocco, Kenya, Türkiye and the Republic of Korea.

Among the international participants specifically identified in reporting on the New York gathering was Mirabela Grădinaru, partner of Romanian President Nicușor Dan. Romanian media reported that she attended Melania Trump’s event and met Rachel Ruto, First Lady of Kenya. The gathering included First Ladies and First Gentlemen from several countries, government officials and technology-company representatives.

The 57-nation figure refers to the coalition’s participating First Spouses or equivalent leaders; it should not be interpreted as a publicly verified name-by-name attendance list for every individual at the St. Regis event.

From 45 nations to 57

Fostering the Future Together has expanded considerably since its inaugural global coalition summit in Washington in March. The White House says Melania Trump brought together First Spouses from 45 countries for the March 24–25 summit, where participants discussed four areas: EdTech tools, AI in education, online safety and digital literacy.

The coalition was originally launched by Melania Trump during the 80th UN General Assembly in New York on September 23, 2025. Its stated mission is to help children flourish in the digital era by combining education, innovation and responsible technology use while protecting children online.

Bangladesh’s Connection to the Initiative

Bangladesh was represented at Tuesday’s gathering in Manhattan, New York, with Dr. Zubaida Rahman, wife of Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, attending the Fostering the Future Together event at the invitation of U.S. First Lady Melania Trump.

Dr. Zubaida Rahman’s participation highlights Bangladesh’s engagement with the international initiative, which brings together First Spouses and leaders from participating countries to advance children’s education, technology, digital skills and online safety.

Zubaida previously participated in the inaugural Fostering the Future Together Global Coalition Summit in Washington, D.C., in March 2026, where she addressed issues including children’s education, healthcare, artificial intelligence and the safe use of technology. She attended that summit at Melania Trump’s invitation. Her participation in Tuesday’s New York gathering further highlights Bangladesh’s involvement in the coalition’s international efforts focused on the future and well-being of children.

A broader international technology effort

The New York meeting reflects the coalition’s increasingly public-private approach, bringing governments and technology companies together around children’s education and digital development. The White House says First Spouses and equivalent leaders work with their national governments to assess available technologies and explore ways to implement them in education, train teachers and parents, and develop new learning environments.

The initiative now has 57 member nations and a growing network of private-sector partners. With additional international conferences planned and a G20 event scheduled for Miami in December, Melania Trump’s coalition is moving beyond its initial summit toward a broader program of international cooperation on children’s education, technology and online protection.

Shibbir Ahmed, New York — Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman held separate meetings with Bhutanese Prime Minister Dasho Tshering Tobgay and Maldives Vice President Uz Hussain Mohamed Latheef on the sidelines of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Tuesday.

The meetings were held at the UN Headquarters as Tarique Rahman attended the high-level General Debate of the 81st UNGA, according to the Prime Minister’s Assistant Press Secretary KM Nazmul Haque.During  his meeting with the Bhutanese prime minister and the Maldives vice president, Tarique Rahman discussed ways to further strengthen Bangladesh’s existing friendly and cordial relations with the two countries.

The discussions covered issues of mutual interest as well as opportunities to enhance regional and international cooperation. The leaders also exchanged views on identifying new areas of collaboration to expand bilateral ties and promote the mutual interests and welfare of their respective peoples.

The meetings were part of the prime minister’s diplomatic engagements on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, where leaders from around the world are gathering to discuss major global and regional issues.

PM holds meeting with Haiti PM

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today held a meeting with Haitian Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aime at the United Nations (UN) Headquarters on the sidelines of the 81st session of the UN General Assembly. During the meeting held this afternoon (New York time), the two leaders discussed bilateral relations between Bangladesh and Haiti, issues of mutual interest and various aspects of regional and international cooperation, PM’s Assistant Press Secretary KM Nazmul Haque said.

They also exchanged views on ways to further strengthen cooperation for the mutual benefit of the peoples of the two countries and explored opportunities to expand bilateral relations in various areas. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s UN engagements began today with a welcome breakfast hosted by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres for heads of delegation and their spouses.

He later attended the opening session and the high-level General Debate of the General Assembly. During his visit, the Prime Minister is scheduled to hold a series of bilateral and high-level meetings with heads of state and government and leaders of international organisations. He is scheduled to address the General Debate of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly on September 24.

Shibbir Ahmed, New York — Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and World Bank Group President Ajay Banga discussed Bangladesh’s development priorities and economic progress during a meeting at the United Nations Headquarters on Tuesday. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly, according to the Prime Minister’s Assistant Press Secretary KM Nazmul Haque.

The two sides discussed issues of mutual interest and exchanged views on strengthening the World Bank’s cooperation with Bangladesh in its development activities. They also explored potential new areas of partnership that could support Bangladesh’s development priorities and economic progress in the coming years.

The meeting was part of Tarique Rahman’s bilateral engagements during his visit to New York for the UN General Assembly, where he is scheduled to participate in discussions on major international and development issues.

Shibbir Ahmed, New York – Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today attended the high level general debate of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) at the UN Headquarters here. The Prime Minister, accompanied by his wife Dr Zubaida Rahman, joined the debate at the North Delegates’ Lounge of the UN Headquarters at 9:00am (New York time), said PM’s Assistant Press Secretary K M Nazmul Haque.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres addressed it, chaired by the president of UNGA 81st session and Bangladesh Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman. Upon his arrival at the venue, the Prime Minister was accorded a formal welcome. He then joined other world leaders at the high-level discussions of the prestigious global forum. The 81st UNGA session is focusing on a range of major global issues, including climate change, resolution of global conflicts, achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and international economic cooperation.

On the sidelines of the session, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is expected to hold a number of bilateral meetings with heads of state and government and representatives of various international organisations.

He will also deliver Bangladesh’s statement at the General Debate of the General Assembly, where he is expected to highlight global peacekeeping, climate justice and Bangladesh’s recent socio-economic development.

Foreign Affairs State Minister Humaiun Kobir, Shama Obaed Islam, Prime Minister’s Office spokesperson Mahdi Amin, senior government officials and Bangladesh’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations were also present during the session. The 81st session of the UN General Assembly formally commenced on September 8, while its General Debate began today.

Shibbir Ahmed, New York – Prime Minister Tarique Rahman along with his wife Dr Zubaida Rahman today joined a welcome breakfast hosted by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres for world leaders and their spouses attending the 81st UN General Assembly. They attended the breakfast at the North Delegates Lounge of the UN Headquarters here at 8:00 am (New Work time). The event marked the beginning of the Prime Minister’s busy official engagements at the United Nations during his visit to New York to attend the UNGA session.

After the breakfast, the Prime Minister will join the opening segment of the 81st UNGA session at the General Assembly Hall at 9am local time, where heads of state and government from different countries will be present.

According to his schedule, Tarique Rahman will address the general debate of the session on September 24. It will be his maiden address to the United Nations as the Prime Minister of Bangladesh, and he is scheduled to deliver the speech in Bangla, in line with the country’s tradition. On the sidelines of the UNGA session, the Prime Minister is also scheduled to hold bilateral and courtesy meetings with several heads of government and leaders of international organisations.

NEW YORK — Tensions between supporters of Bangladesh’s ruling Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and the opposition Awami League escalated in New York’s Jackson Heights on Sunday evening, September 20, as rival groups gathered for competing programmes ahead of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s visit to the city for the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly.

The situation at Diversity Plaza became increasingly tense as supporters of the BNP gathered to welcome Tarique Rahman, while a large group of Awami League activists assembled nearby chanting, “Wherever Tarique goes, resistance will follow.”

The two sides initially exchanged competing slogans before the confrontation reportedly escalated into pushing, shoving and verbal altercations. The BNP alleged that several banners welcoming Tarique Rahman were torn down by Awami League activists, further intensifying tensions.

According to witnesses, several hundred activists from both sides were involved in the confrontation. Multiple teams of the New York Police Department responded to the scene after receiving reports of the escalating situation. More than 50 riot-control officers subsequently moved between the two groups and attempted to keep them separated.

Police eventually intervened more forcefully as the two sides continued their confrontation. The area remained crowded with competing chants, while traffic was temporarily disrupted. Pedestrians moved away from the scene as police worked to prevent the situation from escalating further.

The confrontation comes as Bangladeshi political groups in New York prepare for a series of activities surrounding Tarique Rahman’s visit. BNP supporters have been organizing welcome programmes in Jackson Heights and elsewhere in the city. Recent reporting also confirms that BNP activists gathered in Jackson Heights ahead of the prime minister’s arrival.

Tarique Rahman left Dhaka on September 21 to attend the 81st UN General Assembly. According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS), he is scheduled to arrive at John F. Kennedy International Airport at about 5:55 p.m. New York time after a stopover in Istanbul. He is scheduled to address the General Assembly on September 24 and depart New York for Dhaka on September 25.

The United Nations’ high-level week for the 81st General Assembly is scheduled for September 22–29, with the general debate taking place from September 22 to 26 and again on September 28.

Meanwhile, Awami League leader Imdad Chowdhury said the party is preparing to mobilize about 1,000 activists at JFK Airport as part of its “Wherever Tarique, Resistance There” programme. He said permission had been obtained from the relevant airport authorities for the gathering.

BNP leader Golam Faruk Shaheen, meanwhile, said hundreds of BNP supporters would gather at JFK Airport to welcome Tarique Rahman. He also said the BNP had obtained the necessary authorization for its programme.

The competing plans are expected to require additional security measures at the airport. Police may establish separate areas and security barriers to keep the two groups at a safe distance from each other.

Security arrangements are also being heightened in New York during the UN General Assembly’s high-level week, when heads of state, government leaders and senior officials from around the world gather at the United Nations headquarters. The UN’s official schedule places the 81st General Assembly’s high-level week from September 22 through September 29.

The latest confrontation in Jackson Heights has raised concerns within the Bangladeshi-American community about the possibility of further tensions during Tarique Rahman’s visit, particularly around the airport and other locations where competing political groups are expected to gather.

DHAKA — Prime Minister Tarique Rahman left Dhaka early Monday for New York to attend the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), where he is scheduled to deliver his first address to the General Assembly as prime minister on September 24.

A Turkish Airlines flight carrying the prime minister, his wife Dr Zubaida Rahman and members of his entourage departed Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at around 6:05 a.m. The flight is scheduled to transit through Istanbul before arriving at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York at about 5:55 p.m. local time.

The prime minister will be received at JFK by Bangladesh’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York Irene Zubaida Khan and Bangladesh Ambassador to the United States Tareq Md Ariful Islam before being escorted to the Hyatt Grand Central New York, where he is scheduled to stay.

His official engagements are set to begin on September 22 with a welcome breakfast hosted by UN Secretary-General António Guterres for heads of state and government. He will subsequently attend the opening of the high-level General Debate and a reception hosted by the U.S. president for heads of state and government and their spouses.

On September 23, Tarique Rahman is scheduled to attend meetings on global inequality and climate action. He will also participate in a side event on the Rohingya crisis, where Bangladesh is expected to seek stronger international cooperation for the early repatriation of forcibly displaced Rohingyas to Myanmar.

Bangladesh is also expected to highlight its position as a climate-vulnerable country, focusing on climate finance, adaptation, technology transfer, loss and damage, and climate justice.

On September 24, the prime minister will deliver his General Assembly address. He is also scheduled to speak at a high-level meeting on the threats posed by rising sea levels and attend Bangladesh-hosted events on maternal and newborn health and midwifery.

According to the Foreign Secretary, the prime minister’s UNGA address will cover Bangladesh’s democratic journey, rule of law and accountability, global peace and security, climate change, sustainable development, economic cooperation, youth and women’s empowerment, education and health, the Rohingya crisis, technology and reform of the multilateral system.

On the sidelines of the General Assembly, Tarique Rahman is scheduled to hold bilateral meetings with the Crown Prince of Kuwait and the prime ministers of Croatia, Bhutan, Thailand, Pakistan and Haiti. Discussions are expected to cover political and economic relations, trade and investment, development cooperation and the Rohingya crisis.

He is also scheduled to meet UN Secretary-General António Guterres, the President of the European Council, the President of the World Bank Group, the UN Special Envoy on Myanmar and the UN high commissioners for refugees and human rights.

As part of the government’s economic diplomacy, the prime minister is scheduled to meet senior representatives of Meta, Wall Street firms and other business organisations to discuss investment, manufacturing, infrastructure, technology, skills development and employment opportunities. Tarique Rahman is scheduled to leave New York for Dhaka on the night of September 25.

Shibbir Ahmed, New York — United Nations General Assembly President Khalilur Rahman has made restoring trust in the United Nations the central theme of his one-year presidency, saying the organization needs to respond to unmet expectations on peace, development and human rights. Rahman, a senior Bangladeshi diplomat and Bangladesh’s sitting foreign minister, took the gavel as president of the 81st session of the General Assembly. In an interview with UN News, he said the UN faces a “crisis of confidence” and needs a transformation to meet the challenges of the modern world.

Speaking as High-Level Week gets underway, Rahman described the gathering of world leaders as a major expression of the UN General Assembly’s convening power. He said he would closely examine what world leaders say about rebuilding trust in the organization and use their views to guide his presidency.

Rahman said the United Nations was founded in 1945 with the ambition of preventing another global conflict. While he noted that the world has avoided another large-scale global war and that the UN has made progress in development, he said many conflicts have not been prevented and development progress has often been slow.

He also highlighted human rights as an area requiring greater attention, saying the UN spends about four percent of its total spending on human rights. Rahman said work across the UN’s peace and security, development and human rights pillars is needed to rebuild confidence in the organization.

AI poses a new challenge

Rahman identified artificial intelligence as one of the major challenges distinguishing today’s world from the era when the UN was founded. He said AI could accelerate human progress but could also create serious risks. While innovation should continue, he argued that safeguards are needed to ensure the technology serves humanity. He called for governments, developers and users to participate in discussions on the responsible development and use of AI.

Assembly’s role

Responding to criticism that General Assembly resolutions lack the authority of Security Council decisions, Rahman emphasized the Assembly’s ability to bring countries together. He said the Assembly provides heads of government and state with a setting to discuss serious international issues and seek solutions through diplomacy. He also said the Assembly will continue to play a role in establishing international norms and providing broader direction for the international community.

Rohingya crisis

Rahman also reflected on his experience working on the Rohingya crisis, describing it as a grave humanitarian crisis and highlighting the resilience of refugees and their desire to return home. He said the crisis reinforced his belief that violence does not provide a lasting solution and that dialogue and negotiation are necessary to resolve conflicts. Looking toward the end of his presidency, Rahman said he hopes to see progress on UN reform, the organization’s financial sustainability and faster delivery at the local level.

DHAKA — Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is set to highlight Bangladesh’s renewed democratic journey and its positions on major global challenges when he addresses the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly on September 24, Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam said Sunday. The prime minister will leave Dhaka for New York on Monday for the high-level UNGA proceedings. According to the Foreign Secretary, his maiden address to the General Assembly as prime minister will outline the government’s vision for Bangladesh and its approach to key regional and international issues.

At a press conference at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Siam said Tarique’s speech would cover Bangladesh’s democratic transition, the rule of law and accountability, global peace and security, climate change, sustainable development and economic cooperation.

The prime minister is also expected to address youth and women’s empowerment, education and health, the Rohingya crisis, equitable access to modern technology and reform of the multilateral system. The speech will be Tarique Rahman’s first appearance at the General Assembly as Bangladesh’s prime minister. It will also mark the first UNGA participation of the incumbent government, according to the Foreign Secretary.

Rohingya crisis to feature prominently

The protracted Rohingya crisis is expected to be a major focus of Bangladesh’s diplomatic engagement in New York. Tarique is scheduled to attend a Bangladesh-hosted side event on the Rohingya issue on September 23, where he is expected to seek stronger international cooperation toward the repatriation of Rohingyas who fled to Bangladesh from Myanmar.

Siam said Bangladesh would again use the gathering of world leaders to draw attention to the scale of the crisis, the challenges it poses and the international assistance required to address it. Bangladesh has consistently called for the safe, voluntary, dignified and sustainable return of Rohingyas to Myanmar as a lasting solution to the crisis.

Climate change and sea-level rise

Climate change will also be a prominent issue during the prime minister’s UN engagements. On September 23, Tarique is scheduled to participate in a high-level meeting on “Climate Action and the Just Transition,” convened at the initiative of the UN secretary-general. The following day, he will deliver opening remarks at a high-level meeting addressing the existential threats posed by sea-level rise.

At the climate-related meetings, Bangladesh is expected to emphasize the priorities of climate-vulnerable countries, including climate finance, adaptation, technology transfer, loss and damage, and climate justice.

Global inequality and maternal health

Tarique will also participate in a high-level meeting focused on tackling the global inequality crisis, jointly organized by Brazil, South Africa, Norway and Spain. A Bangladesh-hosted side event on maternal and newborn health and midwifery is also scheduled for September 24. The prime minister is expected to discuss government initiatives on maternal and child health and the importance of skilled and professionally trained midwives.

Bilateral meetings

Alongside the UNGA program, Tarique is scheduled to hold bilateral meetings with the Crown Prince of Kuwait and the prime ministers of Croatia, Bhutan, Thailand, Pakistan and Haiti. According to the Foreign Secretary, the discussions are expected to cover political and economic relations, trade and investment, development cooperation, the Rohingya crisis and other issues of mutual interest.

The prime minister is also scheduled to meet UN Secretary-General António Guterres, the president of the European Council, the president of the World Bank Group, the UN secretary-general’s special envoy on Myanmar, and the UN high commissioners for refugees and human rights. He is also expected to meet the president of the International Peace Institute.

Economic diplomacy

Tarique’s New York visit will also include an economic diplomacy component, with meetings planned with senior representatives of Meta, Wall Street and other business organizations. The discussions are expected to focus on Bangladesh’s investment climate, manufacturing, infrastructure and technology, human-resource and skills development, and employment opportunities for young people.

The prime minister is scheduled to leave New York for Dhaka on September 25 after completing his official engagements. The Foreign Secretary said the visit would provide an opportunity for Bangladesh to present its priorities to the international community and strengthen bilateral and multilateral cooperation.

Bangladesh will be presiding over the 81st UN General Assembly this year, with Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman serving as president of the 193-member General Assembly for its one-year term.