Dhaka: The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a $200 million loan to help Bangladesh modernise and strengthen its electricity distribution network in fast-growing industrial and urban areas around Dhaka. The project aims to improve the reliability, efficiency and resilience of electricity supply for businesses and households, according to an ADB statement yesterday.

Under the Power Distribution Network Enhancement Project, the Bangladesh Rural Electrification Board (BREB) will upgrade distribution infrastructure across 13 Palli Bidyut Samities serving rapidly growing industrial and urban areas around the capital. The project will install 1,150 megavolt-amperes (MVA) of new transformer capacity across 52 substations and increase the capacity of 12 existing substations by 115 MVA.

It will also construct or upgrade more than 2,600 kilometres of overhead and underground distribution lines and install insulated conductors to improve network reliability, efficiency and safety. Another 900 fault locator sets will be deployed to speed up fault detection and service restoration. The project will also build river-crossing transmission structures and switching stations to modernise system operations.

“This project will help future-proof the power system in key growth corridors around Dhaka through advanced technologies, stronger infrastructure, and enhanced resilience measures,” said ADB Country Director for Bangladesh Qingfeng Zhang.

The ADB loan is part of a broader financing package for the project. The government will provide about $108 million in cofinancing, while BREB will contribute about $141 million. The Republic of Korea’s e-Asia and Knowledge Partnership Fund will provide a $1 million technical assistance grant.

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 — 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 — 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 – 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.

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 — 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.

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.