A major diplomatic moment is approaching for Bangladesh as Prime Minister Tarique Rahman prepares to attend the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York. His visit comes at a time when Bangladesh is gaining greater visibility at the UN, with Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman set to serve as president of the General Assembly for the year. For Dhaka, this increased diplomatic presence at the UN could provide an important platform to highlight one of its biggest challenges: the continuing Rohingya crisis.
The Rohingya crisis climbs up the agenda
Bangladesh hopes that the UNGA can bring more global focus on the Rohingya crisis and also help ensure the safety and sustainability of the refugees’ return to Myanmar. Tarique Rahman’s presence could add a greater edge to this purpose of Bangladesh.
Why does Tarique Rahman’s visit hold significance?
Through this visit, Tarique Rahman will provide Bangladesh with a chance to lay out their foreign policy objectives before global leaders. This means that the Rohingya crisis could emerge as an important topic in these meetings.
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The UNGA presidency increases diplomatic leverage
Bangladesh’s involvement in the UNGA presidency provides extra diplomatic leverage to the country. According to BSS, the country may use the position to raise its national interests and concerns, with the Rohingya crisis being pointed out as a topic to which the country should bring extra attention. Nonetheless, as the president of the UN General Assembly is supposed to stay impartial and represent all 193 member countries, the further diplomatic success of Bangladesh will depend on how well Dhaka utilises the added visibility along with national interests.
What is going to happen next?
As Tarique Rahman is visiting the UN General Assembly, it may give Bangladesh the chance to once again draw attention to the problem of the Rohingya crisis. It will increase the chances for Bangladesh to gather international support for their humanitarian and repatriation needs. As the Rohingya crisis is likely to be one of the main topics in the UN session, Bangladesh will try to use the added diplomatic visibility.
