Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus has called on international allies to support Bangladesh in its pursuit of a prosperous and promising future, emphasizing the nation's commitment to seizing this critical moment for transformation.
"Our task is to clean it up and reform it. We need to make a strong start, and your support is essential to making that happen," Yunus said during a reception on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly (UNGA) in New York on Tuesday evening (local time).
The reception, hosted by Bangladesh to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the country’s membership in the United Nations, was attended by representatives from various nations participating in the UNGA. Bangladesh became a full member of the United Nations on September 17, 1974.
Present at the event were Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain, Energy Adviser Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan, Bangladesh’s Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Muhammad Abdul Muhith, SDGs Principal Coordinator Lamiya Morshed, Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam, Additional Foreign Secretary Riaz Hamidullah, and deputy press secretaries Abul Kalam Azad Majumdar and Apurba Jahangir.
In a symbolic gesture, Prof Yunus and photographer, writer, and activist Shahidul Alam unveiled two books chronicling the student-led mass uprising in Bangladesh.
Reflecting on the sacrifices made by the students, Yunus expressed the nation's collective resolve: "We don’t want to disappoint those who dreamed of a new Bangladesh."
Prof Yunus shared that the students had invited him to lead the interim government until the next election, following the implementation of necessary reforms. "It is a significant year for us, brought forward by the youth of Bangladesh," he added.
Earlier, the United Nations extended warm wishes to Prof Yunus as he attended the 79th UNGA, coinciding with Bangladesh’s 50-year association with the UN.
"My best wishes to Chief Adviser Dr Yunus as he participates in the General Assembly," said Gwyn Lewis, the UN resident coordinator in Dhaka, in a message posted on X.
During his visit, Prof Yunus also engaged in a conversation with Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on the sidelines of a UN event and shared the stage with former US President Bill Clinton at the Clinton Global Initiative 2024 meeting.
This is Yunus's first visit to the United States as head of the Bangladesh government, coinciding with the 79th session of the UNGA, which began on Tuesday and will continue through September 30, 2024.
The theme for the general debate of the session is "Leaving no one behind: acting together for the advancement of peace, sustainable development, and human dignity for present and future generations."
