DHAKA — The United States has provided 500,000 dengue NS1 rapid diagnostic test kits to Bangladesh to support the country’s ongoing efforts to detect dengue cases and strengthen treatment management. The kits were provided through the STRIDES programme, funded by the US government, according to a press release. US Chargé d’Affaires to Bangladesh Trishita Maula formally handed over the kits to Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Husain at Kurmitola Multicare Specialized Hospital in Dhaka on Thursday morning.

Speaking at the handover ceremony, the health minister directed the authorities concerned to distribute the dengue testing kits across the country promptly. He said the ceremony was held at Kurmitola Multicare Specialized Hospital considering traffic congestion and transportation convenience. “However, all the handed-over kits will be deposited directly with the Central Medical Stores Depot (CMSD). Subsequently, the kits will be sent to district and upazila hospitals across the country through the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), based on demand,” Sakhawat said. The minister said the government currently has adequate stocks of dengue antigen test kits and intravenous saline in addition to the newly received supplies.

“As a result, the health sector is prepared to ensure necessary testing and treatment even if the number of dengue cases increases in any part of the country,” he said. On the possibility of introducing a dengue vaccine in Bangladesh, Sakhawat said the government was considering the option but stressed the importance of ensuring the vaccine’s efficacy and safety because of its high cost.

“Since the vaccine is costly, it is important to ensure its efficacy and safety,” he said. Discussions are underway with the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF and Gavi on the issue, the minister said, adding that a final decision would be taken in line with international guidelines.

Additional Secretary of the Health Services Division Md Rafiqul Islam, Additional Director General of the DGHS Professor Dr Md Zahid Raihan, Director of Kurmitola Multicare Specialized Hospital Brigadier General Md Saydur Rahman, and senior officials from the US Embassy and the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare attended the programme. Later, the minister visited the hospital’s dengue ward and diagnostic laboratory.

PARSHURAM, Feni – Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today inaugurated the Tk1,542.16-crore Muhuri-Kohua Flood Control, Drainage and Irrigation Project rehabilitation(Phase I) at Feni aiming to strengthen flood protection, drainage and irrigation facilities in the district. The Prime Minister inaugurated the project at around 2.17 pm today at the Kheyaghat Ghat-Muhuri Bridge area in Parshuram upazila and later exchanged greetings with local people at the venue.

The Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) approved the project on June 16 at an estimated cost of Tk1,542.16 crore. Under the project, 67.92 kilometres of flood-control embankments will be rehabilitated, 11.73 kilometres of riverbanks protected and 83.50 kilometres of rivers and water bodies re-excavated. Besides, 27 irrigation structures will be rehabilitated and 77 inlets will be constructed under the project, which is scheduled to be completed by 2030.

In its next phase, there are plans to construct new embankments along the Muhuri and Kohua rivers and undertake embankment construction, excavation and rehabilitation works along the Silonia River. Environment, Forest and Climate change Minister and Feni-3 Lawmaker Abdul Awal Mintoo, Water Resources Minister Shahiduddin Chowdhury Anee, State Minister for Water Resources Forhad Hossain Azad, Feni-1 Lawmaker Rafiqul Alam Maznu, Feni-2 Lwmaker Joynal Abedin, Lawmaker Rehana Akter Ranu, among other, were present on the occasion.

Earlier, the Prime Minister arrived in Feni at around 1:15pm on his daylong tour to attend a series of programmes. After inaugurating the Muhuri-Kohua project in Parshuram, he is scheduled to travel to Fulgazi, where he will join a tree-planting programme at Begum Khaleda Zia Women’s College. He will later visit the Fulgazi District Council Dak Bungalow, where he will inaugurate the supply of electricity to the national grid from the rooftop solar power system installed at the facility.

The Prime Minister will then rest and offer prayers at the Dak Bungalow. Later in the afternoon, he will attend a programme at Fulgazi Government Pilot High School ground, where he will distribute Family Cards and Farmer Cards and provide honorariums to mosque imams, muezzins, khadims and priests. He is also scheduled to address a public gathering at the venue before returning to Dhaka in the evening.

Under a government initiative, solar systems with a combined capacity of 962.5 kilowatts have been installed on government buildings in Fulgazi, Parshuram and Chhagalnaiya upazilas, including 415 kilowatts in Chhagalnaiya, 298 kilowatts in Parshuram and 249 kilowatts in Fulgazi. A total of 510 people in Fulgazi are set to receive Family Cards, while 7,643 people across Feni district will receive Farmer Cards. Honorariums will also be provided to 238 imams, muezzins, khadims and priests in Fulgazi.

Tarique Rahman’s maternal grandfather Easkandar Majumder’s ancestral home is in Sreepur village of Fulgazi upazila in Feni. Feni-1 constituency also has a longstanding association with his mother, former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia, who was elected from the constituency several times since 1991.

NEW YORK — U.S. Congressman Gregory W. Meeks has called for collective efforts to help restore normalcy in Bangladesh, strengthen democratic institutions, uphold the rule of law and protect press freedom. Meeks, the Ranking Member of the U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee, made the remarks during an exchange meeting with members of the Bangladeshi-American community in New York on September 28.

Speaking about Bangladesh’s political situation, Meeks said he expects Democrats to regain majorities in both chambers of Congress in the November 3 midterm elections. He said that if he again becomes chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, he intends to visit Bangladesh, observe the situation firsthand and work through Congress to provide appropriate direction to the U.S. administration.

Meeks also referred to a December 23, 2025 letter that he and four other members of Congress sent to Bangladesh’s then-Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus. The letter urged the interim government to work with political parties across the political spectrum to create conditions for free, fair and inclusive elections and to restore confidence in the neutrality of state institutions.

The lawmakers also expressed concern that suspending the activities of a political party or restarting what they described as a flawed International Crimes Tribunal would undermine those objectives. Meeks said Bangladesh needs stronger democratic institutions, effective rule of law and safeguards for media freedom.

Turning to the United States, the congressman also expressed concern about what he described as growing pressure on media outlets and dissenting voices. Referring to disputes involving CNN, Politico and MS NOW and their access to the White House and Air Force One, he said measures affecting the media and people expressing dissent were inconsistent with American democratic values.

Meeks said he wanted to see Bangladesh return to a stable political environment. He also pledged that, if he again serves as chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, he would visit Bangladesh and engage with relevant authorities regarding the country’s situation.

Bangladesh Situation Discussed

The exchange meeting was organized with the assistance of Sector Commanders Forum-Muktijuddho ’71 and the Bangabandhu Foundation. Bangabandhu Foundation President Abdul Kader Mia chaired the event, while Queens Democratic Party District Leader Dr. Dilip Nath moderated it.

Former Bangladeshi Foreign Minister and former Permanent Representative of Bangladesh to the United Nations A.K. Abdul Momen and former National Press Club President Farida Yasmin spoke about Bangladesh’s political and social situation. They alleged that opposition voices and political activists had faced arrests, violence and legal cases following the July-August 2024 protests and the formation of the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus.

They also alleged that members and supporters of the Awami League had been subjected to violence and that religious minorities had faced attacks. The speakers further criticized the suspension of Awami League activities, alleged mistreatment of freedom fighters and legal action against journalists whose reporting they said was not favored by the government.

The speakers called for the lifting of restrictions on the Awami League and urged the U.S. Congress to support what they described as the need for an early election. They also sought congressional intervention for the release of journalists and other political detainees facing what they characterized as politically motivated murder cases.

Bangladeshi-American Community Leaders Attend

At the beginning of the event, Abdul Kader Mia welcomed Congressman Meeks by presenting him with a traditional uttariya amid applause from attendees. Also present on the stage were Bangabandhu Foundation Senior Vice President Engineer Md. Fazlul Haque, Bangladesh Muslim Center of Brooklyn President Alhaj Abul Hashem, community organizer Enamul Haque Shamim, Aminul Islam Amin and Nazrul Islam Babu. The United States Bangabandhu Parishad, Sandwip Pourashava Welfare Association and Haque Medical Office served as co-hosts of the event.

Among the attendees were writer, columnist and editor Naim Nizam; World Bangla 24 TV CEO Alim Khan Akash; journalist Sultana Rahman; freedom fighter and journalist Lablu Ansar; journalist Sazzad Hossain Sobuj; Jago Prohori Editorial Board President Dr. Mahabbur Rahman Tuku; Sheikh Kamal Smriti Parishad President and freedom fighter Dr. Masudul Hasan; Sandwip Association Convener Sirajul Mawla; former Sandwip Association President Nazrul Islam Babul; Sandwip Pourashava Welfare Association President Md. Zafarullah; Sandwip Education and Cultural Society President Mosharraf Hossain, Secretary Abdul Hamid and Treasurer Ahsan Ullah Saki.

Others included community leader Mobasher Hossain, freedom fighter Kadir Mia, freedom fighter and businessman Saraf Sarkar, social organizer Sakhawat Ali, businessman and community organizer Ifzal Chowdhury, Chattogram Association General Secretary Ariful Islam Arif, Bauria Janakalyan Association Adviser Abul Kashem, Ekattor Genocide Foundation founder and freedom fighter Dr. Pradip Kar, community leader Abdul Jalil, Afsar Mohammad, Abu Taher M. Rahman, Yasin Arafat Bappi, politician Baker Bhuiyan, Democrat Morshed Alam, Engineer Mohammad Ali Siddiqui and Imdad Chowdhury, among others.

The guests were introduced by Bangabandhu Foundation Secretary Kamal Hossain Mithu. Dipa Nath, president of NAVA, and Linda Ramparteb coordinated fundraising activities for the congressman.

Call for Unity

In his closing remarks, Abdul Kader Mia thanked the attendees and called for unity to help Bangladesh overcome what he described as misrule. He urged the community to learn from past mistakes and move forward with the goal of completing what he described as the unfinished work of building “Sonar Bangla,” referring to the political vision associated with the country’s founding leadership.

Shibbir Ahmed, New York — The United Nations has strongly condemned an airstrike in Myanmar’s Rakhine State that reportedly killed at least 50 people at a busy market and urged authorities to halt the deportation of Myanmar nationals from Malaysia. According to the UN, forces from Myanmar’s military junta reportedly struck Kyauktaw township around midday Monday, when more than 200 shops were operating. Women and children were among those killed, while at least 58 people were injured, many critically. The death toll is expected to rise.

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk said the attack raised serious concerns over respect for international humanitarian law. He also highlighted continuing abuses against the Rohingya by both Myanmar’s military and the Arakan Army.

UN urges Malaysia to halt deportations

The airstrike came as Malaysia began implementing a plan to deport some 5,000 Myanmar nationals. Malaysia has said the returns would be voluntary, following an agreement reportedly reached with Myanmar’s military rulers. The UN refugee agency, UNHCR, said it had not been involved in identifying those being returned and noted that some of the people were reportedly being held in detention centers.

Mr. Türk called on Malaysia to immediately halt the deportation process, warning that conditions in Myanmar remain “far from safe and sustainable.” UN Secretary-General António Guterres also called for a halt to the reported return of around 1,500 people. UNHCR stressed that no one should be returned to a place where they face a risk of persecution or torture.

UN releases emergency funds for drought-hit Africa

Meanwhile, UN relief chief Tom Fletcher has released millions of dollars from the Central Emergency Response Fund to prepare for the worsening effects of El Niño-driven drought in South Sudan, Zimbabwe and Chad. South Sudan will receive $6 million for early action, including food, health, nutrition, protection, water and sanitation services. More than 10 million people in the country already need humanitarian assistance.

Zimbabwe will receive $4 million for anticipatory measures, while $3.6 million will support 350,000 people in Chad ahead of worsening dry conditions. The funding will also support early warning systems, cash assistance, livestock feed, malnutrition services and disease surveillance.

Israeli fire reported near UN sites in Gaza

In Gaza, the UN humanitarian office, OCHA, said Israeli fire had been reported near UN facilities and humanitarian convoys on several occasions in recent days. No casualties were reported, but the UN stressed that civilians, aid workers and humanitarian operations must be protected. Humanitarian operations have continued, with protection partners providing mental-health support and other services to about 13,000 Palestinians during the third week of September.

Aid agencies also distributed food parcels, adult diapers, assistive devices and hygiene supplies to displaced families. UNRWA said 1,394 Palestinians had been killed since the faltering October 2025 ceasefire, citing local health authorities, while about 94 percent of the population requires shelter assistance.

Settler attacks continue in West Bank

OCHA also reported continuing settler attacks in the occupied West Bank. Several houses were damaged in Jalud, in the Nablus governorate, while a water network serving Palestinians in Tubas was vandalized and vehicles carrying water and produce were seized. OCHA said it has recorded more than 1,600 settler attacks so far this year—an average of 6.7 attacks a day, compared with five a day in 2025. More than 4,300 Palestinians have been displaced.

DHAKA – Prime Minister Tarique Rahman paid a courtesy call on President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir at the Bangabhaban here this afternoon. Upon the arrival of the Prime Minister at the Bangabhaban at 3 pm, the President welcomed him at the Octagonal and introduced his Military Secretary, Secretary and Press Secretary to the Prime Minister, President’s Press Secretary Md. Sarwar Alam told KHABOR.

During the meeting, the Prime Minister briefed the President on his recent visit to the United States, participation in the UNGA session, sideline meetings with heads of the states, UN high officials, and economic and development partners and appraised him of the government’s overall activities. The President congratulated the Prime Minister on his address at the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly, describing it as “visionary, resolute and guiding”.

He said the speech reflected Bangladesh’s national interests and aspirations and clearly articulated the country’s positions on major global issues. The President expressed hope that the Prime Minister’s UNGA address, sidelined meetings would further enhance Bangladesh’s dignity and position in the international arena.

“The visit played an important role in further consolidating and strengthening Bangladesh’s position in the international arena, protecting public interests, and expanding bilateral and multilateral relations,” he said.

They also exchanged views on various issues related to national and state interest. The President thanked the Prime Minister for visiting the Bangabhaban. The visit marked the Prime Minister’s first official meeting at the Bangabhaban after President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir assumed the office.

Shibbir Ahmed, Washington DC — The United States has announced new visa restrictions on foreign nationals accused by the Trump administration of undermining democratically elected governments through corruption or narcotrafficking in the Western Hemisphere. The U.S. Department of State said the new policy applies under Section 212(a)(3)(C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act and can also affect the immediate family members of targeted individuals. The provision allows the United States to restrict entry when an individual’s presence or proposed activities could have potentially serious adverse consequences for U.S. foreign policy.

The State Department said the policy follows commitments made at the Doral Summit and reaffirmed in the Shield of the Americas leaders’ statement issued September 22. The administration said the United States would coordinate sanctions, designations and financial measures against individuals involved in activities that threaten security, the rule of law and democratic governance.

Initial visa-restriction actions were announced for nationals of Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru.

In Bolivia, the State Department said it had taken steps to impose restrictions on 12 nationals and their families, including prosecutors, judges, a former justice minister, a police colonel, a former customs official and a private businessman. Existing U.S. visas for the named individuals were revoked, according to the department. Nine additional Bolivian nationals who do not currently hold U.S. visas were also made generally ineligible to receive visas, along with their families.

In Colombia, the United States said it revoked the visas of businessman Euclides Antonio Torres Romero and Senator Martha Isabel Peralta Epieyu and imposed corresponding restrictions on their families. The State Department identified Torres Romero as a businessman whose conglomerate operates mainly in the energy, traffic-signal and public-lighting sectors. Peralta Epieyu is affiliated with Colombia’s Historic Pact and the Alternative Indigenous and Social Movement, according to the department.

The State Department said two Ecuadorian nationals were also targeted under the new policy, with their visas revoked. The individuals were not identified in the announcement.

In Peru, the department said it revoked the existing U.S. visa of Juan Carlos Nunez Matos, a judge of the First Circuit Constitutional Court in Lima, and imposed restrictions on his family.

Separately, the State Department publicly designated Bolivia’s Attorney General Roger Mariaca under Section 7031(c) of the National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations Act for fiscal year 2026.

The department alleged that Mariaca was involved in significant corruption and had abused his public positions by soliciting and accepting bribes to facilitate narcotrafficking and helping violent criminals evade justice. The State Department said the designation makes Mariaca and his immediate family members generally ineligible for entry into the United States.

The allegations against Mariaca are claims made by the U.S. government in announcing the designation.

Section 7031(c) allows the Secretary of State to publicly or privately designate foreign officials and their immediate family members when the Secretary has credible information indicating involvement in significant corruption or gross violations of human rights.

The State Department said the new visa restriction policy provides the United States with a mechanism to act as evidence develops and to coordinate measures with partner governments.

The administration said the measures are intended to support democratic governance, security and the rule of law across the Western Hemisphere while targeting corruption and narcotrafficking.

DHAKA — Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today called for further expansion of bilateral trade, investment and development cooperation between Bangladesh and China. He made the remarks during a farewell meeting with outgoing Chinese Ambassador Yao Wen at the Prime Minister’s Office.

According to Prime Minister’s Deputy Press Secretary Hasan Shiplu, the meeting discussed a range of issues of mutual interest, including the Rohingya crisis. During the meeting, Yao Wen congratulated Tarique Rahman on his participation in the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly and his various engagements in New York.

The Chinese ambassador reaffirmed China’s continued support for Bangladesh’s development efforts and expressed hope that bilateral relations between the two countries would be further strengthened. The meeting also underscored the importance of expanding economic engagement between Bangladesh and China, particularly in trade, investment and development cooperation.

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir and Chairman of the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun were present at the meeting. Deputy Chief of Mission of the Chinese Embassy Liu Yuyin accompanied the outgoing ambassador.

DHAKA — Bangladesh Bank has expanded the scope of international card payments for air tickets purchased from foreign airlines, allowing eligible transactions to be settled through international acquiring and payment arrangements outside Bangladesh. The Foreign Exchange Policy Department-1 (FEPD-1) introduced the facility through Circular No. 39, expanding the framework established under FE Circular No. 47 issued on November 19, 2025.

Under the revised arrangement, foreign airlines operating in Bangladesh may accept international card payments for air tickets, provided the proceeds are settled through established international acquiring and payment settlement arrangements outside Bangladesh. The facility applies only to foreign airlines. Bangladeshi airlines will continue to follow existing local settlement and domestic acquiring arrangements for international ticket sales originating from Bangladesh.

A key provision of the new arrangement is that eligible air-ticket purchases will not be counted against an individual’s annual travel entitlement. In other words, such purchases will not be deducted from the standard annual foreign-exchange travel quota. Bangladesh Bank has also introduced a post-facto card replenishment mechanism for these transactions. Authorized Dealers (ADs) may replenish an international card after verifying the ticket purchase against the relevant card statement and confirming that the transaction falls within the eligible Merchant Category Codes (MCCs) specified by the central bank.

The foreign airlines covered by the facility are Air India, Cathay Pacific Airways, China Eastern Airlines, China Southern Airlines, Emirates, Flydubai, Gulf Air, Kuwait Airways, Malaysia Airlines, Oman Air, Qatar Airways, Saudi Arabian Airlines (Saudia), Singapore Airlines, SriLankan Airlines, Thai Airways International, Turkish Airlines and Air Arabia.

According to the circular, Authorized Dealers must report all ticket purchases made under the facility through Bangladesh Bank’s Transaction Monitoring (TM) module. The central bank also instructed ADs to continue applying the provisions of FE Circular No. 47 of 2025 that have not been specifically modified by the latest circular. These include applicable documentation, verification and compliance requirements.

Bangladesh Bank further clarified that foreign airlines receiving ticket proceeds through offshore settlement arrangements must include those proceeds when calculating their remittable surplus earnings. Amounts settled outside Bangladesh cannot subsequently be claimed again as part of the airlines’ regular profit remittances.

The necessary adjustment must be made in accordance with the audit requirements set out under Part-B of FEPD-1 Circular No. 08, issued on May 7, 2026. Bangladesh Bank has instructed Authorized Dealers to inform their customers and corporate constituents about the revised facility and ensure compliance with all applicable foreign-exchange regulations.

DHAKA – Bangladesh repaid $698.92 million in foreign loans during the first two months of the current fiscal year (FY27), according to the Economic Relations Division (ERD). Of the total debt repayment, $516.04 million was paid as principal and $182.88 million as interest.

The country received $294.56 million in foreign loans and grants in July-August of FY27. The ERD data covers foreign loans and grants received by the government as well as repayments made against previously contracted external loans.

Bangladesh received $750 million in foreign assistance during July-August of FY26. The country also received commitments for $240.39 million in foreign assistance during July-August of FY27.

DHAKA — Prime Minister Tarique Rahman returned home Sunday morning after concluding a five-day visit to New York, where he attended the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), delivered his maiden address to the General Debate and held a series of high-level bilateral and multilateral meetings. An Emirates flight carrying the prime minister, his wife Dr. Zubaida Rahman and members of his entourage landed at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 8:21 a.m., according to PM’s Deputy Press Secretary Hasan Shiplu.

Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Dr. Abdul Moyeen Khan, Chief Whip Nurul Islam Moni, Prime Minister’s Defence Adviser Brigadier General (retd.) AKM Shamsul Islam, Whip Miah Nuruddin Ahmad Apu, local MP SM Jahangir Hossain, Cabinet Secretary Nasimul Ghani and Prime Minister’s Principal Secretary ABM Abdus Sattar received the prime minister at the airport.

Tarique Rahman left Dhaka on September 21 and reached New York the same day after a stopover in Istanbul. He departed New York on September 25 and travelled through Dubai before returning to Dhaka. During his four working days in New York, the prime minister took part in 30 engagements, including 11 bilateral meetings, eight UNGA-related engagements and 11 institutional meetings. The prime minister and members of his delegation collectively represented Bangladesh at around 80 engagements, according to BSS.

A major highlight of the visit was Tarique Rahman’s first address to the UNGA General Debate on September 24. In his speech, he outlined Bangladesh’s positions on global peace and security, sustainable development, climate change, economic cooperation and humanitarian issues, while calling for conflicts to be resolved through dialogue, diplomacy and cooperation.

The prime minister held bilateral meetings with the leaders of Türkiye, Iran, Pakistan, Croatia, Haiti, Bhutan and Thailand. He also met the vice president of the Maldives, the crown prince of Kuwait, the UAE’s deputy prime minister and foreign minister, the Saudi foreign minister and Sweden’s foreign minister. The discussions covered bilateral relations, trade and investment, economic cooperation, manpower exports, energy security, regional and international issues and other areas of mutual interest.

The Rohingya crisis was another major issue during the visit. Tarique Rahman called for stronger international support for the safe, voluntary and dignified repatriation of Rohingyas to Myanmar and discussed the issue with UN Secretary-General António Guterres, UN Special Envoy on Myanmar Julie Bishop and UN High Commissioner for Refugees Barham Salih.

Climate change and the impact of rising sea levels also featured prominently in the prime minister’s engagements. He called for stronger global action to reduce emissions, greater access to climate finance and technology, and international cooperation to address climate-induced displacement and loss and damage. At a Bangladesh-Sweden-UNFPA high-level event on midwifery, Tarique Rahman outlined his government’s vision of a “Healthy Bangladesh,” with primary healthcare at the centre of health-sector reform. He said the government plans to recruit additional health workers and professional midwives while developing an integrated digital health system.

Economic diplomacy was also a significant part of the visit. At a breakfast meeting with Wall Street representatives hosted by JPMorgan Chase, the prime minister discussed Bangladesh’s economic prospects, investment opportunities and potential partnerships. During the visit, Biman Bangladesh Airlines also signed an agreement with Boeing for the purchase of 11 aircraft as Bangladesh plans to expand its aviation sector and open new international routes.

Tarique Rahman also held meetings with World Bank Group President Ajay Banga, Gates Foundation CEO Mark Suzman, International Peace Institute President and CEO Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein and UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk, among others. On September 22, Tarique Rahman and Dr. Zubaida Rahman attended a welcome breakfast hosted by UN Secretary-General António Guterres for world leaders and their spouses before attending the opening of the UNGA General Debate. They later attended a reception hosted by US President Donald Trump for leaders participating in the General Assembly.

Dr. Zubaida Rahman also took part in several high-level engagements during the visit, including the UN General Assembly’s Platform of Women Leaders, the First Spouses’ Dialogue and a high-level event focusing on maternal and child health and midwifery. The New York visit marked Tarique Rahman’s first participation in the UN General Assembly as prime minister and included a broad programme of diplomatic, economic, humanitarian and multilateral engagements.