CA Yunus Heads to New York for 80th UN General Assembly

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus is leaving Dhaka tonight for New York to attend the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), where Bangladesh is expected to play an active role in shaping global dialogue on democracy, human rights, and humanitarian issues.

According to the Chief Adviser’s Senior Assistant Press Secretary Foyez Ahammad, Professor Yunus will reach New York on 22 September and deliver his address to the General Assembly on 26 September. He is scheduled to return home on 2 October after completing his engagements.

Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain earlier announced that four political leaders would accompany the Bangladesh delegation this year. They include 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 (NCP) leader Akhter Hossen.

In his UNGA speech, Professor Yunus is expected to present a detailed review of the interim government’s performance over the past year. He will outline reforms already undertaken to strengthen governance and emphasise the administration’s pledge to restore democracy through free, fair, and inclusive elections scheduled for February next year.

The Chief Adviser is also likely to highlight Bangladesh’s commitment to addressing pressing global challenges, such as climate change, poverty reduction, and sustainable development. Observers believe his address will underscore the role of civil society, youth, and grassroots movements in building a resilient democracy.

This year’s UNGA carries special significance for Bangladesh, as the United Nations will host its first-ever High-Level Conference on the Situation of Rohingya Muslims and Other Minorities in Myanmar on 30 September. Bangladesh is expected to strongly advocate for durable solutions, including safe, voluntary, and dignified repatriation of more than 1.3 million Rohingya refugees currently sheltered in the country.

Diplomatic sources indicate that Professor Yunus may also hold bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the UNGA with world leaders, development partners, and international organisations to mobilise greater support for Bangladesh’s democratic transition, economic recovery, and humanitarian challenges.

For Bangladesh, participation in the 80th UNGA is seen as a platform to showcase its renewed commitment to democracy, human rights, and global cooperation while seeking stronger international backing in its journey toward political and economic stability.