Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina arrived at New York’s John F Kennedy (JFK) International Airport in the morning head of a 140-members delegation, to attend the 68th session of the UNGA. As the Prime Minister arrived the JFD airport, local Awami League leaders and activists accorded hearty welcome while local BNP activists staged demonstration. Foreign Minister Dr Dipu Moni, Bangladesh Ambassador to the USA Akramul Qader, Permanent Representative of Bangladesh to the United Nations Dr A K Abdul Momen received the Prime Minister at the JFK Airport.
Sheikh Hasina will address the 68th session of the UNGA on September 27.
As per the schedule of the Prime Minister, she will hold meetings with Indian Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh and UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon.
From the JFD airport, the Prime Minister was taken to Hotel Grand Hyatt at Park Avenue in a motorcade where she will be staying during her seven-day visit to the USA.
This day, Commonwealth Secretary General Kamalesh Sharma will call on Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at her hotel suite. In the evening, she will attend a reception to be hosted by US President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama at Waldrof Astoria Hotel.
Later, she will attend a programme of International Organization for South-South Cooperation (IOSSC) at its office.
Press minister of UN permanent mission in NY Mamunur Ur Rashid said that the Prime Minister would also attend a high-level side event on ‘Tackling the Unfinished Business: Accelerating MDG Progress on September 24. She will also join the UN Secretary General’s Luncheon Reception.
Sheikh Hasina will reach Permanent Mission of Qatar at UN Plaza on the First Avenue to call on Qatari Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.
This afternoon, the Prime Minister will attend as one of the keynote speakers of ‘Leaders Dialogue: HLPF-From Vision to Action’ at Trusteeship Council Chamber in the UNHQ.
Later, foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia and China will call on Sheikh Hasina at the UNHQ.
On September 25, the Prime Minister will attend a round table of the special event of the President of the General Assembly to follow up efforts made towards achieving the MDGs.
Later, she will attend the “Global Education First Initiative (GEFI) Anniversary Event at ECOSOC Chamber at UNHQ. In the evening, Sheikh Hasina will have a dinner at Bangladesh House.
On September 27, the Prime Minister will deliver her statement at the 68th UNGA. Later, she will attend a press conference at Bangladesh Permanent Mission in New York.
On September 28, Sheikh Hasina will hold a meeting with her Indian counterpart Dr Manmohan Singh at New York Palace Hotel.
On September 29 morning, Sheikh Hasina will leave New York for home and she is expected to reach Dhaka at 5.40 pm on September 30 via Dubai.
-With The Independent input
