PM Leaves London for NY

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina left London for New York this evening after attending the funeral of late Queen Elizabeth II, reports BSS.

She departed the capital of England en route to New York to attend the 77th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).

A VVIP chartered flight of Biman Bangladesh Airlines carrying the Prime Minister took off the Stansted International Airport at 8:00 pm local time, Minister Press at the High Commission of Bangladesh in London, UK, Ashekun Nabi Chowdhury told BSS.

The flight is scheduled to reach New York JFK International Airport at about 22:30 hrs local time on the same day.

Bangladesh Ambassador in Washington Muhammad Imran and Bangladesh Permanent Representative to the UN Muhammad Abdul Muhith will receive her at the JFK International Airport.

Prior to leave the UK, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today attended the funeral of late Queen Elizabeth II along with other world leaders at Westminster Abbey.

Hundreds of dignitaries were there including the Queen's former prime ministers, as well as US President Biden and French President Macron.

Queen's funeral service took place at Westminster Abbey - the building in which she was married and crowned Queen.

On September 15, Sheikh Hasina arrived in London on an official visit to the United Kingdom (UK) to attend the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II.

On the fourth day evening of her UK visit, the premier also attended the reception of King Charles III which he hosted for the Presidents, Prime Ministers and Monarchs from around the world at Buckingham Palace.

In New York on September 20, Sheikh Hasina is scheduled to attend a reception meeting hosted by UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres and join the inaugural ceremony of 77th session of UNGA.

She will have bilateral meetings with Filippo Grandi of UNHCR and Slovenian President Borut Pahor. She will also join the UNGA Platform of Women Leaders.

At the end of the day, she will attend the reception of US President Joe Biden.

Besides, she will join a high-level side event on sustainable housing co-hosted by Bangladesh, Botswana, Slovak Republic and UN Habitat on September 21.

On the same day, she will have a bilateral meeting with WEF Executive Director Professor Schwab Klaus and join the Global Crisis Response Group (GCRG) Champions' Meeting.

In the afternoon, the Prime Minister will visit the photo exhibition on Padma Bridge at UNHQs followed by bilateral meeting with Kosovo President Dr Vjosa Osmani-Sadriu, Ecuador President Guillermo Lasso Mendoza, and Rabab Fatima, USG OHRLSS.

The Prime Minister will start September 22 through a breakfast meeting on antimicrobial resistance (AMR) followed by a courtesy call on by IOM Director General Antonio Vitorino. She will also join a high level policy roundtable with the US Bangladesh business council.

Later, she will have bilateral meetings with Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen and ICC Prosecutor Nick Klegg and Karim Khan.

On September 23, the Prime Minister will deliver her address at the General Debate of the 77th Session of the UN General Assembly.

Besides, she will join a civic reception by the expatriate Bangladeshi on September 24.