Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus has reassured world leaders that Bangladesh’s next national election, set for February, will be the most transparent and credible in the country’s history. He expressed confidence that international observers would be present to guarantee the integrity of the electoral process.
Speaking during a series of high-level meetings on the sidelines of the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) session in New York on Tuesday, Yunus emphasised Bangladesh’s commitment to conducting a free, fair, and peaceful election.
On Monday, Yunus had confirmed that the interim government was fully prepared for the election, ensuring its fairness and peacefulness. He reiterated these points during a meeting with US Special Envoy for South and Central Asia Sergio Garcia, stressing that the election would take place in February, with the country fully ready.
In his meeting with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Yunus discussed the interim government’s reform efforts, the upcoming election, and the growing Bangladeshi diaspora in Australia. Prime Minister Albanese highlighted the contributions of the Bangladeshi community in Australia, recalling his participation in the February 21 event for International Mother Language Day.
The chief adviser later met with Queen Máxima of the Netherlands, who serves as the UN Secretary-General’s Special Advocate for Inclusive Finance for Development. The two leaders discussed global health insurance expansion, particularly in the Global South, and the importance of financial inclusion. Dr Yunus emphasised the need for access to maternal healthcare loans, proposing that rural women connect with digital health screenings to save countless lives.
Yunus also advocated for the restructuring of the global pharmaceutical industry, urging the creation of socially driven pharmaceutical companies to produce affordable vaccines. “Vaccines produced by socially-driven pharmaceutical companies will always be affordable,” he stated.
Following his meeting with Queen Máxima, Yunus met with Director-General of the World Health Organization Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus to discuss joint priorities in global health development.
In the evening, Yunus participated in two key events: “Fashion for Development” and a discussion on the collaboration between public and private sectors in social innovation. US Special Envoy Sergio Garcia praised Yunus’ leadership, reaffirming US support for Bangladesh.
The discussions also touched on various bilateral and regional issues, including trade, South Asian regional cooperation, the revitalisation of SAARC, the Rohingya crisis, and the spread of misleading information targeting Dhaka.
Dr Yunus reiterated the need for continued US support for over one million Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh, to which US officials assured that life-saving assistance would continue.
Responding to a question, Yunus revealed that the interim government has proactively taken steps to revitalise SAARC, which has not held a summit for over a decade. He also expressed Bangladesh’s interest in joining ASEAN, believing that engagement with Southeast Asian economies would accelerate national development.
Yunus meets with Belgium’s Queen and former UK prime minister
During his visit, Yunus also met with Belgium’s Queen and former UK prime minister Gordon Brown, discussing global developments and political cooperation.
Yunus to address UNGA on Bangladesh’s election and reforms
Dr Yunus will address the world about Bangladesh’s upcoming election and the interim government’s actions in his speech at the UNGA, according to his press secretary Shafiqul Alam.
In a briefing to reporters in New York on Tuesday, Alam stated that Yunus would speak at UNGA on 26 September, highlighting the interim government’s reforms over the last 14 months, economic recovery, and democratic transformation.
“The main message is that by 15 February, the fundamental election will take place. It will be free, fair, peaceful, and celebratory,” Alam confirmed.
He added that world leaders have already pledged their full support for the election, and voters will be able to cast their ballots freely, as seen in recent Ducsu and Jucsu elections.
In response to a question, Alam emphasised that there is no distance between political parties and the interim government, which holds regular meetings with them. He also addressed the past actions of the Awami League, particularly the violence and false cases during their 15 years in power, noting that the party now has no allies.
Government expresses regret over airport incident
The interim government has expressed deep regret over the targeted attack on political leaders, including BNP Secretary-General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, NCP Secretary-General Akhter Hossen, and Joint Secretary Tasneem Jara, at New York’s John F Kennedy International Airport on Monday. The attack occurred while Yunus was attending the UNGA session.
It is alleged that the attack was carried out by associates and supporters of the ousted autocrat Sheikh Hasina. The interim government condemned this attack, viewing it as part of the violent and destructive political culture fostered under Hasina’s rule. The government remains committed to creating a peaceful, democratic, and inclusive Bangladesh.
The Foreign Ministry had coordinated multiple security measures in anticipation of potential risks during the delegation’s visit. Upon arrival at the airport, the delegation was first escorted through a designated VIP gate and transferred into a specially secured transport unit. However, due to last-minute visa-related complications, the delegation had to take an alternative route.
Despite the interim government’s formal request for VIP access and security for the political leaders at the airport, the authorities unfortunately failed to honour the request, putting the delegation at risk.
Following the incident, the interim government immediately contacted the New York Police Department through the Bangladesh Mission in New York to ensure legal actions. It has been reported that one individual has been arrested, and an official investigation is ongoing.
Subsequently, the security measures for the interim government’s delegation were significantly strengthened, with continuous coordination with US federal and local law enforcement agencies to ensure the safety and dignity of its representatives abroad.
The government reiterated its firm commitment to uphold democratic principles and the rule of law both domestically and internationally, stating that political violence and intimidation will not be tolerated anywhere, including outside the country. Appropriate legal and diplomatic actions will be taken in such incidents.
Yunus honoured at the Global Education Dinner by Theirworld
At the annual Global Education Dinner hosted by Theirworld during the UNGA session in New York, Yunus was awarded the “Unlock Big Change Award” for his pioneering role in education, and social and economic development. The award recognised his unwavering commitment to advancing these sectors.
Theirworld, an international children’s welfare organisation, works to address global education crises and unlock potential for future generations. The event was co-organised by UN Special Envoy for Global Education and former UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown and Chair of Theirworld and Executive Chair of the Global Business Coalition for Education Sarah Brown. They highlighted the power of education in transforming lives and societies.
In his acceptance speech, Yunus emphasised the fundamental human right to access financial services, alongside food, healthcare, and education. He noted that providing access to finance would eliminate poverty, and he also spoke about how microcredit has been integrated with education to ensure that women can send their children to school.
Yunus called for reforms in the conventional education system, stressing the need to nurture creativity and entrepreneurial mindsets from childhood. He proposed that children should be taught from an early age how to become entrepreneurs and that universities should encourage students to use business as a force for good, solving human problems through business-based solutions.
