Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus arrived at John F Kennedy International Airport on Monday afternoon (NY time), marking the beginning of his official visit in New York for the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
The Chief Adviser, accompanied by a small delegation, arrived on an Emirates Airlines commercial flight at 3:00pm (NY time).
Bangladesh’s Ambassador to the United States, Tareq Md Ariful Islam, was there to receive him.
Yunus participated in various events throughout Monday including a high-level gathering focused on ‘Social Business, Youth, and Technology’ organised by the Global Committee on Social Business for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Among the accompanying political figures 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) Dr Tasnim Jara, and NCP leader Akhter Hossen.
Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami leader Mohammad Nakibur Rahman is expected to join the delegation from the US.
In addition to the high-level events, Prof Yunus is also set to attend the annual SDG dinner and award ceremony.
During the UNGA’s General Debate (Sept 23-27 & 29), which brings together world leaders to address global challenges, the Chief Adviser will deliver his speech on September 26.
On September 30, the UN will host its first high-level conference on the Rohingya crisis, where Yunus is expected to participate.
The chief adviser’s delegation also includes key government officials, such as Law Adviser Dr Asif Nazrul, Foreign Adviser Md Touhid Hossain, Industries Adviser Adilur Rahman Khan, Energy Adviser M Fouzul Kabir Khan, National Security Adviser Dr Khalilur Rahman, Bangladesh Investment Development Authority Executive Chairman Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun, Principal Secretary to Chief Adviser M Siraz Uddin Miah, Principal Coordinator (SDGs Affairs) Lamiya Morshed, Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam, and Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam.
This year’s UNGA is of particular importance, with an election scheduled in February, and Chief Adviser’s Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder highlighted the inclusion of political leaders in the Bangladesh delegation as a positive step.
He emphasised that this inclusion not only showcases national unity but also provides an opportunity for political leaders to foster understanding despite their differences.
“It also offers our leaders a chance to bridge gaps and build understanding while spending time together,” Azad said.
He also praised the chief adviser’s decision, adding, “By including political leaders in the official Bangladesh delegation, the chief adviser has once again demonstrated his wisdom and statesmanship.”
Azad further mentioned the significance of the UNGA session, noting that the presence of political leaders at this critical juncture would help ensure policy continuity, especially in light of the Rohingya crisis session on September 30.
He also suggested that meetings with Non-Resident Bangladeshis (NRBs) and business leaders could provide valuable insights for future governance in the country.
Prof Yunus will return to Bangladesh on October 2 after completing his engagements in New York.
