Dhaka: Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and Jamaat-e-Islami Bangladesh have praised the speech delivered by Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus at the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), which focused on Bangladesh’s reforms, its upcoming general elections, and pressing global challenges.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir described Professor Yunus’s address as “strong enough” concerning the forthcoming national elections. He noted that Prof Yunus has consistently emphasized these points recently, and political parties are confident that the general elections are scheduled for February next year. Fakhrul also commended Prof Yunus for highlighting both the government’s reform agenda and national unity in his speech, underscoring the foundational goals of their government.
The BNP secretary general elaborated on Prof Yunus’s explanation of how his administration initiated efforts to revitalize the nation’s economy and address longstanding political reform demands. Fakhrul expressed satisfaction with the Chief Adviser’s inclusive approach, particularly the inclusion of political leaders in the government entourage at the United Nations.
Jamaat-e-Islami Nayeb-e-Ameer Syeed Abdullah Muhammad Taher also praised the Chief Adviser’s speech, calling it “excellent.” He highlighted the significance of stakeholders from major political parties accompanying a head of government for the first time, describing it as a historic moment.
Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam termed the speech as groundbreaking. Prof Yunus addressed the UNGA session with a powerful call for justice, reform, and renewed international solidarity, commending the UN’s achievements while urging reforms to strengthen multilateralism and amplify the voices of developing countries.
Reflecting on Bangladesh’s transformation since the 2024 July Uprising, Prof Yunus highlighted the role of youth in restoring democracy, inspiring reforms, and anchoring these changes in the ‘July Declaration.’ He emphasized progress towards institutional accountability, preparations for free elections, and comprehensive reforms in economic and governance sectors aimed at transparency, stability, and investment.
Prof Yunus reaffirmed Bangladesh’s commitment to human rights, citing accession to international conventions, cooperation with the UN Human Rights Office, and measures against past abuses. He paid tribute to Bangladesh’s expatriate workforce, acknowledging their significant contributions through remittances and their value both abroad and at home.
Drawing attention to the upcoming High-Level Conference on Rohingya, Prof Yunus urged global support for the Rohingyas. He strongly condemned the Israeli actions in Gaza, calling for urgent international intervention and reaffirming Bangladesh’s support for a two-state solution.
Additionally, the Chief Adviser reiterated Bangladesh’s dedication to women’s empowerment, climate action, youth-driven innovation, equitable technology sharing, nuclear disarmament, reform of the international financial system, fair resource distribution, UN peacekeeping, regional organization revitalization, and multilateralism reform. He presented his vision of a ‘three-zero world’: zero carbon emissions, zero net wealth concentration to eliminate poverty, and zero unemployment.
Prominent political figures, including BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and other leaders from BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami, and the National Citizen Party, attended the UNGA session. Advisers from the Bangladesh interim government were also present during Prof Yunus’s speech.