Dhaka: Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus’s participation in the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) underscored Bangladesh’s role as a responsible global actor committed to democratic governance, humanitarian solidarity, and constructive international cooperation, Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam said today.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Alam highlighted the achievements of the CA’s UNGA tour in a post shared on his verified Facebook account. Professor Yunus led Bangladesh’s high-level delegation to the UNGA in New York, where he addressed the international community, held bilateral meetings with world leaders, and outlined Bangladesh’s vision for democracy, humanitarian leadership, and future economic cooperation.
Alam stated that in his address to the UNGA, Chief Adviser Prof Yunus reaffirmed Bangladesh’s unwavering commitment to democracy, transparency, and inclusive governance. He emphasized the government’s preparations for free, fair, and participatory elections, assuring the global community of Bangladesh’s dedication to democratic values.
Accompanying the Chief Adviser were six representatives from Bangladeshi political parties. This marked the first time such a distinguished group of political leaders traveled together, engaging in key meetings with diplomats, diaspora leaders, and business representatives. These engagements sent a powerful message of unity in Bangladesh’s pursuit of democratic, free, and fair elections.
Alam further detailed Prof Yunus’s strategic engagements with global leaders during the visit, focusing on strengthening Bangladesh’s global partnerships. Key engagements included meetings with leaders from Italy, Finland, the Netherlands, Pakistan, Australia, Albania, Kosovo, and Bhutan, covering topics such as democratic governance, trade, climate resilience, and human development.
Prof Yunus also met with United Nations Secretary-General Ant³nio Guterres, UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi, UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell, UN Under Secretary General Rabab Fatima, World Bank President Ajay Banga, Queen Maxima of the Netherlands, and IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva. Additionally, he attended a dinner hosted by U.S. President Donald Trump, engaging with numerous top world leaders.
A central focus of Prof Yunus’s mission was the Rohingya crisis. He emphasized Bangladesh’s leadership in providing shelter and humanitarian assistance to over a million displaced people. In meetings with UN agencies and donor nations, he called for renewed global action for the safe, voluntary, and dignified repatriation of Rohingya to Myanmar, urging the international community to keep the crisis in global focus. He secured commitments of US$ 96 million from the US and UK for the Rohingya refugees.
In a move to underscore the government’s commitment to accountability and development, Prof Yunus invited the United Nations to conduct an independent assessment of Bangladesh’s progress as a Least Developed Country transitioning toward middle-income status. This invitation reflects Dhaka’s confidence in its economic trajectory and openness to international evaluation.
Bangladesh’s engagement at the UNGA also opened new doors for overseas employment and labor mobility. Prof Yunus held productive discussions with officials from Kosovo, Albania, and other European countries, exploring avenues for Bangladeshi workers to contribute to their labor markets. These opportunities are expected to bolster remittance inflows and strengthen ties with new partner nations.