PM plants tree, unveils bench dedicated to Bangabandhu at UN gardens

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Monday planted a honey locust tree and unveiled a bench at UN gardens and dedicated these to Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman on the occasion of his birth centenary.

She planted the deciduous tree at the North Lawn of the United Nations Headquarters in the morning.

Speaking on the occasion, the Prime Minister said the United Nations had recognised Bangladesh on September 17 after its independence. Immediately after getting the recognition, Bangabandhu came to the UN and made his speech, which was delivered in Bangla, here on September 25.

"So, today a bench was dedicated to his name and a tree was planted in a very nice place here in the same month of September. The tree can survive for more than 100 years, which will continue spreading the message of peace," she said, adding that the bench and tree stand together to epitomise the values of peace.

Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen, State Minister for Foreign Affairs M Shahriar Alam and Bangladesh Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Rabab Fatima were, among others, present.

The Prime Minister arrived here on Sunday to attend the 76th session of the United Nation General Assembly.

She will attend the opening session of the UNGA general debate on Tuesday and address the general debate on September 24.

The PM will join a number of sideline events in the UNHQ and will have talks with some leaders from September 20 to 24 during her stay in New York.