NEW YORK — Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s arrival in New York for the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly has intensified political activity among Bangladeshis living in the city, with supporters of the ruling Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) preparing welcome programmes and Awami League activists organising protests.
Rahman left Dhaka early Monday and is scheduled to arrive at John F. Kennedy International Airport later in the day. He is due to address the UN General Assembly on Sept. 24, his first speech to the world body as prime minister.
Protests planned during visit
The New York metropolitan chapter of the Awami League and affiliated organisations have announced demonstrations against Rahman during his stay. Organisers have said they intend to maintain a campaign under the slogan “Wherever Tarique, there will be resistance”, including planned protests around JFK airport and near the UN headquarters.
At least 55 organisations, including the BNP and Awami League, have reportedly obtained permits from New York authorities for demonstrations and counter-demonstrations during the UNGA period.
Videos and reports circulating on social media have also shown late-night gatherings and protest activities by Awami League supporters in New York. These social-media reports could not independently be verified from the material provided.
BNP supporters prepare welcome
Meanwhile, BNP leaders and activists in the United States have been coordinating welcome programmes for Rahman. Preparations have been particularly visible in Jackson Heights, a major hub of New York’s Bangladeshi community, where banners, posters and other decorations have been put up ahead of his arrival.
The BNP has also held preparatory meetings and formed coordination arrangements aimed at maintaining discipline during welcome events at the airport and around the UN headquarters.
Busy diplomatic schedule
Rahman’s UNGA visit is expected to include a series of high-level diplomatic and economic engagements.
According to Bangladesh officials, he will attend a welcome breakfast hosted by UN Secretary-General António Guterres on Sept. 22 and a reception hosted by US President Donald Trump later that day. He is also scheduled to hold bilateral meetings with the leaders of several countries, as well as senior officials of the United Nations, World Bank and other international organisations.
On Sept. 23, Rahman is expected to participate in discussions on global inequality, climate action and the Rohingya crisis.
During his Sept. 24 UNGA address, he is expected to discuss Bangladesh’s democratic transition, rule of law and accountability, climate change, sustainable development, economic cooperation, youth and women’s empowerment, healthcare and the Rohingya crisis.
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