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. President Donald Trump used his address to the United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday to defend his administration’s military actions abroad, warn Iran of further escalation if it does not reach a peace agreement, and call for an end to the war in Ukraine. In a roughly 37-minute address at the 81st session of the UN General Assembly in New York, Trump outlined his foreign-policy priorities, including Iran, Ukraine, Venezuela, Cuba, Mexico, artificial intelligence and reform of the United Nations.

Trump strongly defended the U.S.-Israeli military campaign against Iran, saying the operation had prevented Tehran from obtaining a nuclear weapon. He warned that the United States could “annihilate” Iran if a peace agreement is not reached, while also saying he believes a deal could be reached after the U.S. midterm elections on Nov. 3.

“I believe we’ll make a deal right after the election because it doesn’t make sense for them not to,” Trump said. Trump also addressed the Russia-Ukraine war, saying the United States was working with both Moscow and Kyiv and expressing confidence that a settlement could be reached.

“We will get that one done,” Trump said, adding that an agreement could come sooner than many people expect. The president also highlighted U.S. actions in Venezuela and the wider Western Hemisphere. He said Washington would not allow threats against the United States to establish a foothold in the region and said the country would use its military power when necessary to protect what he described as vital U.S. national interests.

On Cuba, Trump described the country as a failed state and said his administration was seeking fundamental political change there. “Communism will never be coming to America, but freedom will be coming to Cuba,” he said. Members of the Cuban delegation walked out of the General Assembly hall while Trump was discussing Cuba, Reuters reported.

Trump also criticized Mexico over drug-cartel violence and described the fight against cartels as a major U.S. security priority. He said his administration had carried out strikes against cartel groups and argued that the United States needed to take stronger action against organizations it considers terrorist threats.

Artificial intelligence was another major theme of the speech. Trump said his administration would use the term “super intelligence” rather than artificial intelligence in official communications and argued against international restrictions that could limit technological development.

He said the United States was leading China and other countries in the AI race and argued that AI could become more transformative than the Industrial Revolution. Trump also renewed his criticism of the International Criminal Court, urging member countries to withdraw and arguing that the court should not have jurisdiction over U.S. military personnel.

Turning to the United Nations itself, Trump said the organization had significant potential but called for further reforms, including reductions in bureaucracy and spending. He criticized what he described as the influence of “globalist bureaucrats” and said the United States would continue pushing for changes at international institutions.

The speech comes as world leaders gather in New York amid continuing conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine, uncertainty over global economic conditions and growing debate over the international governance of artificial intelligence. The UN’s 81st General Assembly general debate runs from Sept. 22 through Sept. 28.

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 – 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.

DHAKA — U.S. Ambassador to Bangladesh Christensen and Chief of Army Staff General Waqar-Uz-Zaman have reaffirmed the enduring strength of the defense relationship between the United States and Bangladesh. In a statement following the meeting, Ambassador Christensen said he and General Waqar-Uz-Zaman reaffirmed their commitment to the longstanding defense partnership between the two countries.

The ambassador also expressed appreciation for Bangladesh’s substantial contribution to the Haiti Gang Suppression Force, highlighting the country’s role in international security efforts.

“Chief of Army Staff General Waqar-Uz-Zaman and I reaffirmed the enduring strength of the U.S.-Bangladesh defense relationship,” Christensen said.

“I also expressed my appreciation for Bangladesh’s substantial contribution to the Haiti Gang Suppression Force—an example of Bangladesh’s important role as a global security partner,” he added.

Bangladesh has a long-standing record of participation in international peace and security operations. Its contribution to the Haiti mission underscores the country’s continued engagement in multinational efforts to address security challenges. The meeting comes as Washington and Dhaka continue to strengthen cooperation in defense and security, alongside broader bilateral engagement between the two countries.

Shibbir Ahmed, New York — A newly published report from United Nations experts warns that existing safety protocols for artificial intelligence are failing to keep pace with rapid technological advancements. Released on Monday, the report by the Independent International Scientific Panel on Artificial Intelligence highlights a July security breach involving OpenAI.

During testing, two OpenAI systems breached their restricted environments, connected to the internet, and infiltrated multiple websites, including the AI platform Hugging Face. The panel—established in 2025 to monitor non-military AI—concluded that the incident reflects a broader failure where foundational cybersecurity protocols were ignored and safeguards lagged behind system capabilities.

Furthermore, the panel noted that modern AI agents, which are programs designed to execute tasks autonomously, demonstrated an alarming ability to “adopt goals of their own, knowingly violate safety instructions, and conceal their actions”. Experts expressed growing concern that autonomous agents are becoming sophisticated enough to recognize development guardrails and strategically bypass them.

While major firms like OpenAI and Anthropic have recorded similar minor behavioral deviations in testing since the start of the year without major incident, the UN panel emphasizes that the conventional paradigm for managing AI risks is rapidly “unravelling”. To mitigate these escalating hazards, the panel advocates adopting multi-layered defense strategies akin to those used in high-risk industries like nuclear power and aviation.

Key recommendations include stripping AI agents of unnecessary tool access, maintaining continuous activity logs, monitoring behavior, keeping human intervention options open, and implementing strict emergency shut-off mechanisms. The findings arrive as world leaders converge in New York for the annual high-level meetings of the United Nations General Assembly.

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.

Shibbir Ahmed, Washington DC — The U.S. Department of State announced Monday that it is taking steps to impose visa restrictions on 32 individuals accused of being responsible for or complicit in defrauding Americans through cybercrime, cyber-enabled crime and related activities. The State Department said the majority of those targeted are affiliated with the Prince Group Transnational Criminal Organization (TCO), which has been the subject of multiple U.S. sanctions actions over its alleged role in scam operations targeting Americans.

Under the latest action, any valid U.S. visas held by the individuals have been revoked. The State Department said the restrictions are being imposed under Section 212(a)(3)(C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act.

The department said cybercriminal networks scam Americans out of tens of billions of dollars each year. According to the State Department, transnational criminal organizations operating in Southeast Asia, including the Prince Group, defrauded Americans of at least $18.2 billion in 2025 through cyber-enabled scams.

US Expands Action Against Prince Group

The visa restrictions add to a series of U.S. government actions targeting the Prince Group and other Southeast Asian scam networks. The Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control designated the Prince Group as a Transnational Criminal Organization in October 2025, imposing sanctions on 146 associated individuals and entities. Treasury said the organization operated scam compounds and cyberfraud operations targeting victims in the United States and elsewhere.

Treasury expanded its action against the Prince Group on June 23, 2026, sanctioning nine individuals and 26 entities linked to the organization, including individuals described as leaders, investors in scam compounds and operators of front companies. Treasury said the June action built on its October 2025 designation and was intended to disrupt financial networks connected to scam operations and money laundering.

Visa Restrictions Target Individuals Connected to Cybercrime

The State Department said the latest visa measures are part of broader U.S. efforts to use immigration and other authorities against individuals connected to cybercrime and fraud affecting Americans. The department said those subject to the restrictions will be denied entry to the United States, while previously issued valid visas have been revoked. The action comes as U.S. agencies continue coordinating efforts to disrupt overseas scam networks, financial channels and other infrastructure used to target American victims.

In October 2025, Treasury described the Prince Group as a Cambodia-based transnational criminal organization whose network included scam compounds and businesses involved in online investment scams and money laundering. Treasury said the network had targeted U.S. citizens and others worldwide.

The latest State Department action represents the use of visa restrictions alongside financial sanctions and other enforcement measures aimed at individuals and networks accused of participating in cyber-enabled fraud against Americans.

Shibbir Ahmed, New York — First Lady Melania Trump’s Fostering the Future Together (FTFT) initiative has secured seven new technology-sector partnerships aimed at expanding access to education, digital skills and technology for children and young people around the world. The new partnerships were announced Monday on the margins of the 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) at an event hosted by Charity Wallace, Special Envoy for Best Future Generations at the U.S. Department of State.

The seven technology-sector partners are Adobe, Amazon, Google, Intel, N50, Starlink and Zoom. Their commitments cover artificial intelligence in education, educational technology, digital literacy, internet connectivity, workforce development and online opportunities for students. The mission of Fostering the Future Together is to empower children through technology and education. The initiative focuses on four key areas: AI in Education, EdTech Tools, Online Protection and Digital Skills.

Adobe Expands AI-Powered Education Tools

Adobe is expanding its education technology and AI efforts through its Acrobat Student Spaces program. The initiative will be available globally in five languages and will provide students with free AI-powered tools for studying and creating content based on their class materials.

Amazon Expands Student AI and Technology Training

Amazon is expanding free student access to Kiro, an AI agent designed for software engineering, reaching millions of students through 132 universities. Participating institutions include universities in Romania, Japan, Malaysia, South Korea and France. Amazon is also expanding its broader AI and technology education efforts. Its free AWS Academy has trained more than two million students worldwide.

In the United Arab Emirates, Amazon is partnering with Khalifa University to launch the AWS Data Center Infrastructure Training Program, which will provide students with hands-on experience and access to career opportunities. Amazon also plans to launch more than 450 school Coding Clubs in the UAE to support technology education among younger students.

Google Commits $4 Million for AI Educator Training

Google is committing $4 million to expand the Google AI Educator Series and make the training freely available to educators worldwide. The initiative is intended to help teachers develop practical AI skills while maintaining the central role of educators and the relationship between teachers and their students. Google separately confirmed the $4 million commitment to Digital Promise as part of its participation in Fostering the Future Together.

Intel Expands AI and Digital Literacy Programs

Intel is scaling its programs in AI education, educational technology and digital literacy across 10 countries through its AI for Citizens, AI for Youth and Semiconductor for Youth initiatives. The company is highlighting a major AI PC deployment in Panama, alongside new or expanded partnerships in Egypt, Ghana, Israel, Kenya, Malaysia, Poland, South Korea, the UAE and Vietnam.

N50 Launches AI Education Pilot in Uganda

N50 is launching a new AI Education Device pilot in Uganda that is expected to reach more than 10,000 students and approximately 200 teachers. The program will provide schools with both offline and online internet access and is being developed in partnership with Starlink, Intel, Arizona State University and Arrow Electronics.

Starlink Expands Internet Access in Papua New Guinea

Starlink is working with the Government of Papua New Guinea and the National Information and Communications Technology Authority (NICTA) to expand fast and reliable internet access across the country. The effort builds on $30 million in U.S. support announced during the U.S.-Papua New Guinea Strategic Partnership Dialogue.

Zoom Announces $2.75 Million in New Grants

Zoom, through its Zoom Cares program, is set to announce $2.75 million in new grants supporting Fostering the Future Together as part of the company’s broader AI for Good commitment. The grants will focus on education, workforce development and nonprofit AI readiness, with funding directed toward nonprofits operating in FTFT countries across Europe, Africa, Latin America and the Asia-Pacific region.

Global Public-Private Partnership

The new commitments expand the private-sector component of Fostering the Future Together, bringing technology companies together with governments and other organizations to address children’s access to education and technology.

The initiative was launched by Melania Trump during the 80th UN General Assembly in September 2025. Its inaugural global summit was subsequently held in Washington, bringing together representatives from participating countries and technology companies to discuss educational technology, artificial intelligence, online safety and digital literacy.

The White House says 57 member nations have joined the broader initiative, including France, Poland, the United Arab Emirates, Panama, the Philippines, St. Kitts and Nevis, Israel, Morocco, Kenya, Türkiye and the Republic of Korea.

The latest partnerships represent a range of approaches—from AI-powered educational tools and teacher training to student coding programs, digital-literacy initiatives and expanded internet connectivity—under the broader goal of increasing children’s access to technology and educational opportunities worldwide.

Shibbir Ahmed, New York — Prime Minister Tarique Rahman arrived in New York on Monday to attend the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), beginning a packed diplomatic visit that will include his address to the General Assembly, meetings with world leaders and engagements on climate change, the Rohingya crisis, global business and development.

The Prime Minister arrived at John F. Kennedy International Airport aboard a Turkish Airlines flight following a stopover in Istanbul. His wife, Dr Zubaida Rahman, and members of his delegation accompanied him.

Prime Minister’s Deputy Press Secretary Jahidul Islam Rony said the flight landed at JFK International Airport at around 6:20 p.m. New York time. Bangladesh’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Irene Zubaida Khan, and Bangladesh Ambassador to the United States Tareq Md Ariful Islam received the Prime Minister at the airport. Following his arrival, a motorcade escorted the Prime Minister to Hyatt Grand Central New York, where he is scheduled to stay during his visit.

Bangladeshi community welcomes Prime Minister

BNP leaders and activists, along with members of the Bangladeshi expatriate community, gathered in New York to welcome the Prime Minister. Supporters carrying banners, posters and festoons assembled near the airport and along parts of the route leading toward Manhattan. As the Prime Minister’s motorcade passed, members of the crowd waved and chanted slogans, while the Prime Minister responded by waving to them. Jackson Heights, home to one of the largest Bangladeshi communities in New York, was also decorated with banners, posters and festoons marking his visit.

UNGA address scheduled for September 24

The centerpiece of the Prime Minister’s New York visit will be his address to the 81st UN General Assembly on September 24. His official engagements are scheduled to begin on September 22, when he will attend a welcome breakfast hosted by UN Secretary-General António Guterres for heads of state and government and their spouses at UN Headquarters.

He will subsequently attend the opening of the UNGA general debate and hold a series of bilateral and courtesy meetings with foreign leaders and senior officials of international organizations.

Among his scheduled engagements are meetings with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Bhutanese Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay, World Bank Group President Ajay Banga and Haitian Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé.

The Prime Minister is also scheduled to meet UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy on Myanmar Julie Bishop, European Council President António Costa, UN High Commissioner for Refugees Barham Salih, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk and Meta’s Chief Global Affairs Officer Joel Kaplan. In the evening, the Prime Minister and Dr Zubaida Rahman are scheduled to attend a reception hosted by the US President for visiting heads of state and government and their spouses.

Rohingya crisis and climate action on agenda

On September 23, the Prime Minister is scheduled to attend a breakfast meeting with representatives of international charitable and humanitarian organizations at the Bangladesh Permanent Mission to the United Nations. He will also participate in a high-level event focusing on the Rohingya crisis and efforts to achieve a durable solution to the prolonged displacement through justice and accountability.

Climate change will feature prominently on the Prime Minister’s agenda. He is scheduled to participate in the UN high-level meeting on “Climate Action and the Just Transition” and hold a bilateral meeting with Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković.

Boeing Global President Dr Brendan Nelson is also scheduled to call on the Prime Minister at his hotel, where a signing ceremony involving Bangladesh government representatives is expected to take place.

Sea-level rise, maternal health and bilateral meetings

On September 24, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is scheduled to deliver opening remarks at a high-level meeting addressing the existential threats posed by sea-level rise. He will also attend an event titled “From Commitment to Action: Integrating Midwifery into Primary Health Care to End Preventable Maternal and Newborn Deaths,” where he is expected to deliver opening remarks.

The Prime Minister is scheduled to hold a bilateral meeting with Pakistani Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and meet UN Secretary-General António Guterres and Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul.

Later in the day, he is expected to address the General Assembly. His speech is tentatively scheduled for around 5:30 p.m. New York time, although the timing may change depending on the progress of the general debate. Following his UNGA address, the Prime Minister is scheduled to attend a dinner hosted in his honor by Bangladesh’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations.

Wall Street engagement before departure

On September 25, the Prime Minister is scheduled to attend a breakfast meeting with Wall Street representatives hosted by JPMorgan at its Manhattan headquarters. He will also hold a bilateral meeting with Kuwait’s Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah and attend a lunch meeting with Prince Zeid Al Hussein, President of the International Peace Institute.

Before concluding his New York visit, the Prime Minister is also scheduled to meet BNP leaders in the United States. He is expected to depart New York for Dhaka at 11 p.m. on September 25 aboard Emirates flight EK202 via Dubai and arrive in Bangladesh on September 27.