US BNP Leaders Hold Meetings in Bangladesh Ahead of Tarique Rahman’s New York Visit

Preparations are underway among Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) supporters in the United States ahead of Prime Minister and BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman’s expected visit to New York to attend the 81st United Nations General Assembly.

Rahman is scheduled to arrive in New York on September 21, marking his first participation in the UN General Assembly since the formation of the new government. He is expected to attend high-level meetings, hold bilateral discussions with heads of state and government, and participate in various events on the sidelines of the General Assembly.

He is also scheduled to address the UN General Assembly on September 24.

The planned visit has generated significant interest among expatriate Bangladeshis, particularly BNP supporters and leaders of its affiliated organizations in the United States. Preparations are reportedly underway for a welcome program and a large gathering in New York involving expatriate Bangladeshis, US BNP, Jubo Dal and Swechchhasebak Dal leaders and activists.

As part of the preparations, a delegation of US BNP leaders traveled to Bangladesh and held discussions with relevant officials.

At a meeting held Saturday afternoon, the delegation discussed overall preparations for the visit, security arrangements, protocol and possible political programs in New York with the Army Chief, the Prime Minister’s Military Secretary, members of the Special Security Force (SSF) and other relevant officials.

Following the meeting, US BNP representatives said discussions were held on organizing a successful and orderly program in New York during Rahman’s first US visit and his participation in the UN General Assembly. They emphasized that no program has yet been finalized and discussions are still ongoing.

Gias Ahmed, former senior vice president of US BNP and former central international affairs secretary of the party, told Awaaz BD that Rahman’s visit is expected to extend beyond his official UN engagements, with meetings with expatriate Bangladeshis and political programs also likely to receive attention.

Former central Jubo Dal leader and US BNP leader M.A. Baten said the visit has generated considerable interest and expectations among expatriate Bangladeshis. He said the meeting focused on preparations and coordination to make the prime minister’s first US visit successful.

Meanwhile, there have been reports that the Bangladesh Consulate in New York may organize a gathering in connection with Rahman’s visit. However, no final decision has been announced.

According to a source cited by Awaaz BD, no official announcement has so far been made regarding any gathering in New York related to the prime minister’s visit.