Dhaka: Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus is set to depart for New York tonight to participate in the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). He is scheduled to deliver Bangladesh's national statement and engage in a series of high-level meetings, representing the nation in several key global events.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Professor Yunus will address the UN General Assembly on September 26. His speech is anticipated to focus on the interim government's reform initiatives, the aspirations stemming from the July 2024 mass uprising, and a firm commitment to conducting free, fair, and inclusive elections in February 2026.
The Chief Adviser's delegation includes prominent political figures, namely BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, BNP leader Humayun Kabir, Jamaat-e-Islami Nayeb-e-Ameer Syeed Abdullah Muhammad Taher, and National Citizen Party (NCP) leader Akhter Hossen. This year's UNGA holds special significance for Bangladesh, as the UN will host a High-Level Conference on the Situation of Rohingya Muslims and other minorities in Myanmar on September 30, following a proposal made by Professor Yunus last year.
In preparation for this conference, Bangladesh organized the first-ever "Stakeholders' Dialogue" in Cox's Bazar last month, involving international partners and Rohingya representatives. Additionally, Prof Yunus will attend the High-Level Meeting commemorating the 30th Anniversary of the World Programme of Action for Youth on September 25.
Bangladesh will also participate in discussions on Women, Peace, and Security, highlighting its role as a leading peacekeeping nation. Professor Yunus is expected to address a range of pressing global issues including peacekeeping, climate change, sustainable development goals, illicit financial flows, migration rights, sustainable technology transfer in the age of artificial intelligence, and calls for ceasefire and permanent peace in Palestine.
During his stay, the Chief Adviser will attend receptions hosted by the UN Secretary-General and U.S. President Donald Trump, and engage in bilateral meetings with global leaders. Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain is also slated to represent Bangladesh in multiple multilateral meetings such as the Commonwealth Foreign Affairs Ministers' Meeting, the Peacebuilding Commission Ministerial, and others.
The Chief Adviser is expected to return to Bangladesh on October 2, following the General Debate of the UNGA, which will occur from September 23-27 and on September 29. The debate will see world leaders discussing global challenges under the theme "Better Together: 80 years and more for peace, development and human rights."