Chief Adviser Yunus to Address 80th UNGA Session Today, Spotlighting Reforms and Democratic Transition

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus will deliver Bangladesh's national statement at the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) session today, marking a pivotal moment for the interim government's global outreach. The high-level general debate begins at 9:00 AM local time (New York), with Yunus scheduled as the 10th speaker.

In his address, Yunus is anticipated to emphasize the interim government's comprehensive reform agenda over the past 14 months, the transformative aspirations of the July 2024 mass uprising, and Bangladesh's unwavering commitment to conducting free, fair, and inclusive elections by February 15, 2026. He will also underscore accountability measures for the July 2024 violence—referred to as the "July massacre"—and renewed calls for international support on the protracted Rohingya crisis, including a high-level conference on September 30 proposed by Yunus last year.

At a pre-departure briefing, Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam highlighted that Yunus's speech will spotlight economic recovery efforts, institutional reforms, and the roadmap for a democratic transition. "The main message is that a fundamental election is going to be held within February 15 (next year). It will be a free, fair, peaceful, credible, and festive one," Alam affirmed.

Yunus arrived in New York on September 22, accompanied by a high-profile delegation including 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 leader Akhter Hossain. His itinerary also features bilateral meetings, participation in events on peacekeeping, climate justice, Sustainable Development Goals, illicit financial flows, safe migration, AI-driven technology transfer, and advocacy for a ceasefire in Palestine.

The 80th UNGA, themed "Better Together: 80 Years and More for Peace, Development, and Human Rights," opened on September 9 and runs through October, with the high-level week commencing September 22. Yunus's participation underscores Bangladesh's renewed global engagement post-uprising, positioning the nation as a voice for transitional justice and sustainable development amid ongoing challenges like the Rohingya repatriation stalemate. He is expected to return to Dhaka on October 2.