Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Monday assured the United States that Bangladesh is fully prepared to hold its next national election in the first half of February 2026. He said the interim government is making “comprehensive preparations” to ensure a free, fair, and peaceful electoral process.
“The election will be held in February. It will be free, fair and peaceful. The country is fully prepared,” Prof Yunus told US Special Envoy for South and Central Asia and US Ambassador-designate to India, Sergio Gor, during a meeting in New York.
According to Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder, Sergio Gor praised the Chief Adviser’s leadership and reiterated the United States’ willingness to support Bangladesh’s democratic efforts.
During the meeting, both sides discussed a wide range of bilateral and regional issues, including trade, regional cooperation in South Asia, the revival of SAARC, the ongoing Rohingya crisis, and the rising threat of disinformation campaigns targeting Dhaka.
Prof Yunus urged continued U.S. support for over one million Rohingya refugees residing in the camps of Cox’s Bazar. In response, the U.S. delegation assured that their life-saving humanitarian assistance would remain in place.
The Chief Adviser noted that the interim government is stepping up efforts to revive the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), which has not held a summit in more than a decade. He also expressed Bangladesh’s interest in joining ASEAN, saying integration with Southeast Asian economies could significantly accelerate the country’s growth.
“We can accelerate our economic growth through closer regional cooperation,” Prof Yunus said, highlighting the importance of building stronger economic ties with landlocked Nepal and Bhutan, as well as with India’s seven Northeastern states.
Prof Yunus also extended an invitation to Sergio Gor to visit Bangladesh at his earliest convenience.
Prof Yunus arrived in New York on Monday afternoon aboard a commercial Emirates Airlines flight. He landed at John F. Kennedy International Airport at 3:00 PM (local time) and was received by Bangladesh Ambassador to the United States, Tareq Md Ariful Islam.
The Chief Adviser is leading a high-level delegation to the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). In a significant step towards political inclusivity, several key political leaders have joined the delegation at the invitation of the Chief Adviser.
Among them are BNP Secretary-General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, BNP leader Humayun Kabir, Nayeb-e-Ameer of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Syeed Abdullah Muhammad Taher, National Citizen Party (NCP) leaders Dr Tasnim Jara and Akhter Hossen. Jamaat-e-Islami leader Mohammad Nakibur Rahman is expected to join the delegation from the United States.
The official delegation also includes Law Adviser Dr Asif Nazrul, Foreign Adviser Md Touhid Hossain, Industries Adviser Adilur Rahman Khan, Energy Adviser M Fouzul Kabir Khan, Special Envoy on International Affairs Lutfey Siddiqi, National Security Adviser Dr Khalilur Rahman, BIDA Executive Chairman Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun, Principal Secretary M Siraz Uddin Miah, SDG Coordinator Lamiya Morshed, Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam, and Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam.
Prof Yunus is scheduled to participate in several high-level meetings on the sidelines of the UNGA. On Monday evening, he is expected to attend a key event titled “Social Business, Youth and Technology”, organized by the Global Committee on Social Business for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). He will also attend the annual SDG Dinner and Award Ceremony.
As part of the UNGA General Debate (September 23–27 & 29), Prof Yunus will deliver Bangladesh’s national statement on September 26, where global leaders will present their visions amid ongoing global challenges.
On September 30, the United Nations will host a high-level conference on the Situation of Rohingya Muslims and Other Minorities in Myanmar the first of its kind in which Bangladesh is expected to play a key role.
Deputy Press Secretary Azad said that including political leaders in this year’s UNGA delegation sends a strong message of national unity to the international community.
“It offers our leaders a chance to bridge gaps and build understanding while spending time together,” Azad noted. “By including leaders from across the political spectrum, the Chief Adviser has once again demonstrated wisdom and statesmanship.”
Azad added that with an elected government expected to take office in February, this year’s UNGA comes at a crucial time. He described the forum as a valuable platform for Bangladesh’s political leadership to engage constructively and strengthen mutual understanding in an increasingly turbulent world.
“The upcoming plenary session on the Rohingya crisis makes our leaders’ physical presence all the more important for ensuring policy continuity,” he said.
Azad also noted that meetings with non-resident Bangladeshis (NRBs) and business leaders during the visit could provide important insights to guide future governance.
The chief adviser is scheduled to return to Dhaka on October 2.
