The New Nation - Internet Edition

BSS, Dhaka

Chief Adviser Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed leaves here tday for New York to atend the 62nd session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).

Dr Fakhruddin who leads a high- powered delegation to the UNGA is scheduled to address the UN General Assembly on September 27 highlighting the reforms and election road map as well as calling for duty free access of LDC products into the markets of developed countries and free labour movement

Adviser for Foreign Affairs Dr Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury said the Chief Adviser would address a meeting on 'Climate Change' on September 24 where he would flag in the adverse effects Bangladesh is likely to face because of climate change. The Chief Adviser will also co-chair a session of the meeting on climate change with the Prime Minister of the Netherlands, the foreign

Besides, Dr Fakhruddin will also point out the role of Bangladesh in the UN Peacekeeping mission and how to increase Bangladesh's participation in other activities of the UN.

In his country statement on September 27, the Chief Adviser would also touch upon the background of taking over power by the present interim caretaker government and various reforms undertaken by it

During his stay in New York, the Chief Adviser is also scheduled to atend a reception to be hosted by US President George W Bush. Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed will also hold bilateral meeting with the UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon.

The Chief Adviser is also set to hold a meeting with Prime Minister of Italy Romano Prodi on the sidelines of the UN session with a view to strengthening Bangladesh's relation with European country.

During his visit in New York, Dr Fakhruddin is also set to have talks with the Afghan President Dr Hamid Karzai when he will request him to take steps for rescuing the abducted BRAC employee if the abduction issue was not resolved till then, the foreign adviser told the newsmen.

Besides, the Chief Adviser will also meet President of the Czech Republic Vaclav Klaus. The chiefs of the UNDP and the UNFPA will call on the Chief Adviser during his stay in New York.

Besides atending various meetings of the United Nations, Dr Fakhruddin will also make a presentation at the New York-based think tank Asia Society and deliver a lecture at Columbia University.

He will also give interviews to different print and electronic media including the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, APTN, CNN and Voice of America.

The Chief Adviser will also atend a reception accorded to him by the expatriate Bangladeshis living in the United States.

Among others, Foreign Adviser Dr Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury would accompany the Chief Adviser as a member of the delegation.

The Chief Adviser is expected to return home on September 30.