Staff Reporter //

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humayun Kabir remarked that Bangladesh’s participation in the 81st session of the UN General Assembly, led by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, was successful.

He stated that this visit created opportunities to showcase the new government’s commitments and expectations on the global stage, while also fostering the expansion of bilateral and multilateral cooperation.

Responding to a question, he clarified that the Boeing aircraft were not purchased under any external pressure. There is no hidden agenda involved. The fleet is being evaluated based on passenger demand for the national flag carrier, Biman, and its future international operations.

He made these remarks during a press conference at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs yesterday, Monday.

M Farhadul Islam, Secretary (International Organizations Wing), and AKM Shahidul Karim, Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, were present at the press conference.

State Minister Humayun Kabir said, “The Boeing purchase was finalized through a signing ceremony held in an open environment, attended by President Trump and four ministers from our country. We purchased the Boeing aircraft based on our specific requirements.”

He added, “To expand routes and establish an aviation hub in the twenty-first century, we need a mixed fleet. Biman’s fleet needs to be further expanded. This decision was made entirely based on our needs, and the information has been shared with you transparently.”

The State Minister stated, “We will purchase more Boeing aircraft if necessary. Expanding our fleet is essential to improve passenger service quality and develop a growing aviation hub.”

The press conference was organized to highlight various aspects of the visit and the participation of the Bangladesh delegation—led by the Prime Minister—in the UN session. Humayun Kabir noted that this marked the new government’s first participation in the UN General Assembly.

It was also the first time Prime Minister Tarique Rahman represented Bangladesh. The session held special significance for the country as the Foreign Minister of Bangladesh served as the President of the General Assembly. The State Minister stated that the Prime Minister participated in 30 international engagements during her four-day visit. These included delivering a speech at the General Assembly’s General Debate, addressing seven high-level meetings, holding bilateral meetings with 11 countries, and meeting with top officials from 10 international organizations, including the UN.

On September 24, the Prime Minister delivered her speech in Bangla at the General Debate. In it, she highlighted Bangladesh’s democratic transition; the government’s ‘Recovery, Restoration, and Reconstruction’ (or ‘3-R’) strategy for national rebuilding; the empowerment of women and youth; social safety nets, education, technology, and innovation; and the need for international cooperation regarding the country’s graduation from the Least Developed Country (LDC) status.

During the session, she called for the rapid repatriation of Rohingyas to Myanmar and urged the international community—including the UN—to take effective measures for a sustainable solution to the protracted Rohingya crisis.

Additionally, the Prime Minister delivered the opening address at a high-level meeting on the risks of rising sea levels, organized at the initiative of the UN General Assembly President.

Responding to a question about resuming Biman’s Dhaka-New York flight, the State Minister said that a technical assessment or verification process is currently underway. Operations on the route had been suspended due to technical issues, and the government is now reviewing the necessary aspects to restart it.

Addressing the opposition leader’s criticism regarding the Prime Minister’s UN speech, Humayun Kabir said, “Where were partisan remarks made at the UN? It is not right to comment without understanding, reading, or listening. One should speak with a sense of responsibility.”

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