Shibbir Ahmed, New York — First Lady Melania Trump on Tuesday reconvened members of her Fostering the Future Together initiative in New York during the high-level week of the 81st United Nations General Assembly, announcing new technology partnerships, international events and an expansion of the coalition to 57 participating countries.

The gathering brought together representatives from countries including the United Kingdom, South Korea, the Philippines, Poland, Ukraine, Türkiye, the United Arab Emirates, Panama and Canada, according to the White House.

“Together, we are a beautiful range of cultures, languages, histories, and traditions,” Trump said. “And yet, we stand unified around one everlasting truth: the future of our world will be determined by what we do for our children today.”

Fostering the Future Together is described by the White House as a global coalition focused on empowering children through technology and education. Trump said the initiative is intended to provide young people with opportunities to learn, create and develop skills for the future.

New International Events Announced

Trump announced several Fostering the Future Together events planned for 2026.

They include a G20 event in Miami, which Trump plans to host, an ASEAN conference in Manila hosted by Philippine First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos, a European regional meeting hosted by Polish First Lady Marta Nawrocka, and a Caribbean regional meeting hosted by Saint Kitts and Nevis First Lady Diani Prince-Drew. “These leaders have stepped forward to activate their regions,” Trump said, adding that the initiative would provide support for their efforts.

Technology Partnerships

The First Lady also announced new private-sector partnerships involving Adobe, Amazon, Intel, Starlink, Google and Zoom. The companies are being brought into the initiative as part of its focus on expanding children’s access to technology and education. Tim Cook, executive chairman of Apple, and Enrique Lores, CEO of HP, also attended the gathering, according to the White House.

Trump emphasized that access to technology alone does not constitute empowerment and called for young people to be taught how to use technological tools responsibly and effectively.

“We must give our children the tools—and teach them how to use those tools wisely,” she said.

Focus on Technology and Education

In her remarks, Trump highlighted the rapid development of artificial intelligence and other technologies, describing the current period as a major technological transformation. She cited technologies including artificial intelligence, video communications, mobile computing, autonomous vehicles, virtual environments and biometric identification as examples of technologies that have moved from the realm of science fiction into everyday life.

She also called on participating countries and technology companies to help young people develop the knowledge and skills necessary to participate in an increasingly technology-driven economy.

“Our Fostering the Future Together coalition must strive to empower the youth of our nations to bend the boundaries of imagination, explore new frontiers of intellect, have the courage to take calculated risks, and build toward advancement of society,” Trump said.

Coalition Expands to 57 Countries

The White House said the initiative now includes 57 participating nations. Trump said the coalition’s long-term purpose is to create opportunities for children regardless of where they are born. Fostering the Future Together was announced during the 80th UN General Assembly in 2025. According to the White House, Trump subsequently convened the initiative’s inaugural Global Coalition Summit in Washington in spring 2026, bringing together first spouses and technology-sector leaders.

The latest gathering took place during the UN General Assembly’s high-level week in New York. The United Nations says the general debate of the 81st session is being held from September 22 to 26 and again on September 28.

Trump said the initiative’s success should ultimately be measured by its impact on future generations rather than by the meetings and speeches themselves. “Years from now, our children may not remember the meetings we held or the speeches we gave. But they will live with the consequences of what we do here,” she said.

Shibbir Ahmed, New York — Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has called on the international community to extend stronger support for the dignified repatriation of Rohingyas to their homeland in Myanmar and help find a sustainable solution to the prolonged crisis.

The prime minister made the appeal on Tuesday when Julie Bishop, Special Envoy of the UN Secretary-General on Myanmar, paid a courtesy call on him in New York, where he is attending the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly.

During the meeting, Tarique Rahman stressed the importance of continued international cooperation to facilitate the safe and dignified return of Rohingyas and resolve the crisis, according to PM’s Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Ruman.

The two sides also discussed the role of the international community in addressing the Rohingya crisis, including efforts to create conditions conducive to their eventual return to Myanmar.

The meeting comes ahead of a high-level Rohingya crisis side event scheduled for Wednesday at UN Headquarters, co-hosted by Bangladesh and The Gambia. The event will focus on finding a durable solution to the protracted displacement, along with justice and accountability.

Bangladesh has consistently called for the safe, voluntary, dignified and sustainable return of Rohingyas to Myanmar, where the crisis originated. The country is currently hosting about 1.2 million Rohingya refugees, placing significant humanitarian, economic and environmental pressure on Bangladesh. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is scheduled to address the UN General Assembly on September 24.

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 — U.S. First Lady Melania Trump on Tuesday announced an expansion of her Fostering the Future Together initiative, bringing together representatives from 57 countries and unveiling new international events and private-sector technology partnerships focused on children’s education and access to technology. The announcement came during the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York, where Trump reconvened members of the coalition and welcomed representatives from countries including the United Kingdom, South Korea, the Philippines, Poland, Ukraine, Türkiye, the United Arab Emirates, Panama and Canada.

“Together, we are a beautiful range of cultures, languages, histories, and traditions. And yet, we stand unified around one everlasting truth: the future of our world will be determined by what we do for our children today,” Trump said.

Fostering the Future Together was launched by Trump during the 80th UN General Assembly in September 2025 as a global coalition aimed at promoting children’s education, technology access and digital safety. The White House says the initiative focuses on the use of advanced technology, including artificial intelligence, to support children, educators and parents while addressing online risks.

The coalition held its inaugural two-day global summit in Washington in March, bringing together first spouses or equivalent leaders from 45 countries and technology-sector representatives. The White House described the gathering as the largest international assembly of its kind hosted by a U.S. first lady at the White House.

At Tuesday’s event, Trump announced several upcoming regional and international gatherings. They include a G20 event to be hosted by Trump in Miami in December, an ASEAN conference hosted by Philippine First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos in Manila, a European regional meeting hosted by Polish First Lady Marta Nawrocka, and a Caribbean regional meeting hosted by Saint Kitts and Nevis First Lady Diani Prince-Drew.

“When nations speak with one voice, the world listens. Our collective influence is profound. Together, we can open doors, move markets, shape policy. And most importantly, we can change lives for the better,” Trump said.

The initiative is also expanding its cooperation with the technology sector. The U.S. State Department said Monday that seven technology companies — Adobe, Amazon, Google, Intel, N50, Starlink and Zoom — had announced partnerships involving more than 15 countries to expand educational and technological opportunities for children and young people.

Amazon separately said it is supporting the coalition with AI-powered learning tools and digital-skills initiatives for students. Trump said access to technology by itself was not enough and called for children to be taught how to use new technologies responsibly.

“Access alone is not empowerment. We must give our children the tools—and teach them how to use those tools wisely,” she said. She cited artificial intelligence, video communications, mobile computing, self-driving vehicles, virtual environments and biometric identification as examples of technologies that are increasingly part of everyday life.

The coalition’s stated focus includes four areas: AI in education, education technology, online protection and digital skills, according to the State Department. Trump urged participating first spouses and leaders to work together despite differences among their countries. “Years from now, our children may not remember the meetings we held or the speeches we gave. But they will live with the consequences of what we do here,” she said.

She added that the coalition should seek to help young people expand their imagination, explore new areas of knowledge, take calculated risks and contribute to the advancement of society. The White House says Fostering the Future Together has no membership fees and that participating countries are responsible for any indirect costs associated with their own engagements, including travel.

Shibbir Ahmed, New York — President Donald Trump offered high praise for New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani on Monday, putting aside past political hostility during a closed-door meeting at Gracie Mansion. The roughly one-hour meeting focused on key municipal challenges, including federal immigration policies and a massive proposed affordable housing project.

The encounter marked a striking shift from the bitter rhetoric of the mayoral campaign, when Trump heavily criticized Mamdani. However, following their third face-to-face meeting—and the first hosted on the mayor’s turf ahead of the United Nations General Assembly—the two leaders struck a remarkably cordial tone.

Speaking to reporters at a joint press conference on the lawn of the mayor’s official residence, Trump expressed optimism about the city’s leadership. “Hopefully, you’re going to be a great mayor,” Trump said, addressing Mamdani directly. “I can say you’re going to be a great mayor, and you’re off to a start. … He’s certainly got potential, great potential.”

For his part, Mayor Mamdani acknowledged their clear political differences, particularly regarding federal immigration enforcement, but emphasized his commitment to pragmatic cooperation. Mamdani noted that he voiced his strong stance on keeping immigrant New Yorkers safe, while also advancing discussions on a major proposal to construct 12,000 new homes above a Queens rail yard.

“The president and I have been very frank about the many disagreements we have,” Mamdani told reporters, while affirming that maintaining open channels of communication remains essential for delivering results for the city. The meeting also touched on broader national matters, with Trump addressing media policy questions during the appearance.

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.

Shibbir Ahmed, New York — Former Chilean President Michelle Bachelet has withdrawn her candidacy to become the next Secretary-General of the United Nations, narrowing the field to seven candidates in the race to succeed António Guterres. Bachelet, 74, announced her decision in a video posted on Instagram. She said she would continue her international work after ending her campaign for the top UN post.

The two-time president of Chile and former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights had campaigned on issues including multilateralism and international law. Her withdrawal came after a third informal Security Council straw poll in which her support declined significantly.

Bachelet’s decision leaves seven candidates in contention to succeed Guterres, whose second five-year term is scheduled to end on December 31, 2026. The UN Security Council will eventually recommend one candidate to the 193-member General Assembly, which will formally appoint the next Secretary-General. The UN Secretary-General selection process is taking place as world leaders gather in New York for the opening of the high-level phase of the 81st General Assembly session.

Bachelet’s candidacy had initially been jointly nominated by Chile, Brazil and Mexico. Chile later withdrew its nomination in March 2026, while the United Nations subsequently recorded Bachelet as a candidate nominated by Brazil and Mexico. The selection process will continue as the Security Council considers the remaining candidates before sending a recommendation to the General Assembly.

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.

New York — The US Awami League is scheduled to hold a press conference in New York at 8 p.m. on September 24, with Bangladesh Awami League President and former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina expected to participate as the chief guest, according to the organization. The announcement was made by US Awami League President Dr. Siddiqur Rahman during a torchlight procession and protest rally organized by the party at Diversity Plaza in Jackson Heights, New York, on Saturday, September 19.

According to Dr. Siddiqur Rahman, Sheikh Hasina will deliver what the organization described as a guideline-setting address on the future of Bangladesh. He also said she would make an important decision concerning her planned return to Bangladesh in December. Sheikh Hasina said in a Reuters interview published in July that she planned to return to Bangladesh in December, despite facing legal proceedings and a death sentence. She has been living in India since leaving Bangladesh in August 2024.

Torchlight rally in Jackson Heights

The September 19 rally brought together leaders and activists from the US Awami League and its affiliated organizations, including the Jubo League, Sramik League, Swechchhasebak League, Mohila Awami League and Chhatra League. Participants chanted slogans including “Go back, go back, Tarique, Tarique” and “Step down, step down, Tarique, Tarique” during the procession and rally.

The program was chaired by US Awami League President Dr. Siddiqur Rahman and moderated by the organization’s General Secretary Abdus Samad Azad. According to the organizers, the protest was held in response to court verdicts involving Sheikh Hasina and leaders of the Awami League and its affiliated organizations, the situation surrounding the lockdown in Dhaka, and the planned visit of BNP Chairman and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to the United States.

Addressing the gathering, Dr. Siddiqur Rahman said the US Awami League would organize protest and resistance programs wherever Tarique Rahman is present between September 21 and 25. He also called on Awami League supporters living in the United States to participate in programs organized by the US Awami League.

Sheikh Hasina’s planned December return

Sheikh Hasina has publicly said she intends to return to Bangladesh in December. In an interview with Reuters published in July, she said she planned to return from India despite the legal consequences she could face. In August, she again said she intended to return to Bangladesh and that the exact date would be announced when the time was appropriate, while indicating that she wanted the return to take place in December.

The issue has gained renewed attention following recent court proceedings involving former Awami League officials. On September 15, a Bangladesh tribunal sentenced seven former aides of Sheikh Hasina to death in absentia in cases connected to the 2024 crackdown, according to Al Jazeera. The report said the defendants were convicted of crimes including murder and inciting killings.

Political activity intensifies in New York

Tarique Rahman’s visit to New York for the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly has prompted increased political activity among Bangladeshis in the United States.

The US Awami League leadership said it has planned a series of demonstrations, protests and other programs in New York and elsewhere in the United States throughout the period of Tarique Rahman’s stay for the UN General Assembly. According to party leaders, Awami League supporters from different US states and other countries have begun arriving in the United States to participate in the planned programs.

The BNP’s US organization has also been holding programs ahead of Tarique Rahman’s visit, including a “Meet the Press” event in New York, where the party called on expatriate Bangladeshis to support its activities surrounding the prime minister’s UNGA visit.

With competing political groups preparing separate programs around the UN General Assembly, the period is expected to bring increased political activity within the Bangladeshi-American community in New York.

The US Awami League says Sheikh Hasina’s September 24 address will focus on Bangladesh’s future and will include an announcement concerning her planned return to the country. The details of that announcement remain to be seen.

New York — Prime Minister and BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman is scheduled to travel to New York on September 21 to attend the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly and is expected to deliver Bangladesh’s national statement on September 24. It will be his first address to the UN General Assembly as prime minister. Bangladesh’s government has said his visit will include high-level meetings and diplomatic engagements alongside participation in the UNGA.

Ahead of the visit, the US unit of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has called on expatriate Bangladeshis in the United States to participate in programs surrounding the prime minister’s visit and support the government’s reconstruction and development initiatives. The appeal was made through a written statement issued at a “Meet the Press” program organized ahead of Tarique Rahman’s visit to New York.

The event was attended by BNP Central International Affairs Secretary Anwar Hossain Khokon, BNP Executive Committee members Abdul Latif Samrat, Zillur Rahman Zillu, Gias Ahmed, Mizanur Rahman Bhuiyan Milton, Sharafat Hossain Babu, Kamal Pasha Babul, Anwar Hossain, Niaz Ahmed Jewel, Anwarul Islam, Akhter Hossain Badal, Kazi Azam, Firoz Alam, Sabur Khan, Mosharraf Hossain Sobuj, Gias Uddin, Shah Alam, Saidul Haque, Zahirul Islam Molla, Jasim Bhuiyan, Syeda Mahmuda Shirin, Golam Faruk Shahin, Shafiqul Rahman Dulal, Syed A.R. Faruk, Baset Rahman, Dr. Abdus Sabur, Shahjahan Sheikh, Nur Mohammad, Rafiqul Islam, Faruk Hossain Majumdar, Rafiqul Islam Dalim, Syed Morshedul Hasan Reza, Mohammad Mohsin, Mazharul Islam Miru, Golam Haider Mukut, Mohammad Masud Rana and Zakir Howlader, among others.

Bangladesh holds UNGA presidency

The written statement described Bangladesh’s participation in the 81st UN General Assembly as significant for the country. It also highlighted the election of Bangladesh’s Foreign Minister Dr. Khalilur Rahman as president of the 81st session of the General Assembly. Khalilur Rahman was elected on June 2, 2026, defeating Cyprus’s Andreas Kakouris by 99 votes to 91 in a secret-ballot election. The 81st session opened on September 8, and Rahman is serving a one-year term as president of the General Assembly.

The United Nations has identified the theme of the 81st session as “Restoring Trust, Managing Transformation: A United Nations That Delivers for All.” The US BNP statement noted that Bangladesh’s presidency of the General Assembly comes four decades after former Foreign Minister Humayun Rashid Chowdhury served as president of the 41st session in 1986-87.

Appeal to expatriate Bangladeshis

According to the statement, Tarique Rahman’s participation in the UN General Assembly will provide an opportunity to present Bangladesh’s democratic transition, development priorities and future plans before the international community. The US BNP also emphasized the role of expatriate Bangladeshis in the country’s reconstruction and development, particularly through investment, expertise, experience and international connections.

The statement called on expatriate Bangladeshis to contribute to the country’s development and remain cautious about what the party described as misinformation and propaganda concerning Bangladesh. The party also expressed condolences to the families of those killed during last year’s political unrest and wished a speedy recovery to those injured. The figures and descriptions regarding the unrest contained in the BNP statement represent the party’s claims.

Government initiatives highlighted

The statement also highlighted several initiatives attributed to the government, including Krishak Card, Family Card and Sports Card programs. It said a Probashi Card would also be introduced for Bangladeshi expatriates. The US BNP said expatriate Bangladeshis are an important part of the country’s development and stressed the importance of utilizing their investment, skills and international networks.

BNP leaders and affiliated organizations in North America are also preparing various programs around Tarique Rahman’s New York visit. According to the party, a rally and other programs are being planned near the United Nations headquarters on September 24. Meanwhile, New York is preparing for the arrival of world leaders and senior government representatives for the 81st UN General Assembly. The UNGA high-level week will bring delegations from countries around the world to New York.

Tarique Rahman is scheduled to leave Dhaka for New York on September 21 and deliver his first UN General Assembly address on September 24. According to current reports, he is expected to leave New York on September 25 after completing his UNGA engagements.