Staff Reporter:
President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Friday congratulated Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on his “visionary, resolute and guiding” address to the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
In a congratulatory statement, the President conveyed his heartfelt greetings to the Prime Minister, praising the speech for its vision, firmness and direction, said a press release of the President’s Press Wing.
The President said that the prime minister’s address clearly reflected Bangladesh’s national interests, aspirations of its people and position on major global issues.
He expressed hope that the speech would further enhance Bangladesh’s standing and image in the international arena.
The President said that Tarique’s address highlighted Bangladesh’s journey towards democracy following the end of “fascist rule”, along with a commitment to democracy, human rights, good governance and accountability.
The prime minister also outlined his vision of building a prosperous, self-reliant and welfare-oriented democratic state and presented a three-R strategy — recovery, restoration and reconstruction — for rebuilding the country, he said.
According to the President, Tarique highlighted Bangladesh’s positions and priorities on democratic progress, world peace, multilateralism, Palestine, the Rohingya crisis, climate change, the economy, employment, empowerment of women and youth, education, health and technology.
He also said that the prime minister’s speech reflected the severe pressure on the global economy caused by wars and conflicts, the energy security crisis, disruptions to global energy supplies and rising inflation.
Praising Tarique’s view of the United Nations as the “centre of a concerted world community”, Mirza Fakhrul said that the call for establishing peace through dialogue, diplomacy and mutual cooperation was particularly significant amid global conflicts.
Referring to the prime minister’s pledge of “Bangladesh first, Bangladesh for all”, the President said that it reflected the aspirations of the people for political and economic empowerment and a safe, peaceful and prosperous Bangladesh.
He described Tarique’s address to the UN General Assembly as a “glorious event for the nation”, noting that he is the third member of the same family, after former President Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, to address the global forum. The President wished the prime minister good health and a safe and successful visit.
