CA’s UNGA Tour Projects Bangladesh’s Democratic Resolve, Global Humanitarian Role: Press Secretary
Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus’s participation in the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) reaffirmed Bangladesh’s position as a responsible global actor committed to democracy, humanitarian solidarity, and constructive international cooperation, Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam said today (3 October).
In a statement shared on his verified Facebook account, Alam highlighted the achievements of Prof Yunus’s UNGA tour in New York last week, where he led Bangladesh’s high-level delegation, delivered an address to the Assembly, and held a series of bilateral and multilateral engagements.
“Prof Yunus reaffirmed Bangladesh’s unwavering commitment to democracy, transparency, and inclusive governance,” Alam said, adding that the Chief Adviser assured the international community of Dhaka’s preparations for free, fair, and participatory elections.
Accompanying Prof Yunus were six political representatives, marking the first time a cross-party delegation travelled together to the UNGA. According to the press secretary, this joint presence “sent a powerful message that all of Bangladesh is moving together toward democratic, free, and fair elections.”
During his visit, Prof Yunus held meetings with leaders from Italy, Finland, the Netherlands, Pakistan, Australia, Albania, Kosovo, and Bhutan, focusing on governance, trade, climate resilience, and human development. He also engaged with top UN and international financial leaders including Secretary-General António Guterres, UNHCR chief Filippo Grandi, UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell, World Bank President Ajay Banga, Queen Máxima of the Netherlands, and IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva.
Prof Yunus also attended a dinner hosted by US President Donald Trump, where he interacted with several global leaders. Additionally, he met a US special envoy to discuss Bangladesh’s role in regional cooperation and multilateral diplomacy.
On humanitarian issues, the Chief Adviser spotlighted the Rohingya crisis, urging global actors to renew their commitment to ensuring the safe, voluntary, and dignified repatriation of displaced Rohingya to Myanmar. Alam said Prof Yunus secured pledges worth $96 million in aid from the United States and the United Kingdom to support refugee relief efforts.
Demonstrating transparency and accountability, Prof Yunus invited the United Nations to conduct an independent assessment of Bangladesh’s progress as it transitions from a Least Developed Country (LDC) to middle-income status.
The press secretary also noted that Bangladesh’s UNGA engagements opened opportunities for overseas employment, with productive talks held with Kosovo, Albania, and other European nations to expand labour mobility for Bangladeshi workers. These steps, Alam said, are expected to strengthen remittances and deepen people-to-people ties.
“Prof Yunus’s participation at the UNGA has not only highlighted Bangladesh’s democratic and humanitarian commitments but also opened new avenues for global partnerships and economic opportunities,” Alam said.