Chief adviser professor Muhammad Yunus is set to reach in New York on September 23 to attend the 79th United Nations General Assembly and he will deliver his speech on September 27.
This visit presents a significant opportunity for him to share the interim government鈥檚 priorities following the recent student-led uprising and outline Bangladesh鈥檚 economic plans, particularly how the international community can support the country鈥檚 economic stability and growth.
鈥楾he chief adviser will stay for three days in New York and deliver his speech on September 27,鈥� foreign adviser Md Touhid Hossain informed reporters at a media briefing at the foreign service academy on Saturday.
The high-level general debate will begin on September 24. Yunus will travel on a commercial flight, while foreign adviser Touhid will depart two days earlier to attend high-level meetings.
Touhid highlighted the significance of the trip, noting that Yunus was globally respected, and his speech was expected to be taken seriously by world leaders. The visit followed a major political shift in Bangladesh, and the government aimed to clarify the situation on the international stage.
Regarding potential meetings, the foreign adviser indicated that Yunus might have bilateral discussions with leaders such as the prime ministers of the Netherlands, Pakistan, and Nepal, as well as the US secretary of state, UN secretary-general, UN Human Rights chief, the World Bank President, USAID Administrator, and other high-level officials.
鈥楬owever, no meeting is expected with Indian prime minister Narendra Modi, who will be in New York before Yunus arrives.鈥�
The foreign adviser, however, said that he would have a bilateral meeting with Indian external affairs minister S Jaishankar on the side-lines.
Bangladesh will host a high-level reception on September 24, marking the 50th anniversary of its UN membership. Top UN officials, heads of government, and international organizations are expected to attend.
Yunus鈥� speech on September 27 will address the recent mass uprising in Bangladesh, his vision for building a people-oriented state, and the country鈥檚 role in global peacekeeping.
He will also highlight issues such as climate change, the Rohingya refugee crisis, and challenges facing developing countries in achieving Sustainable Development Goals.
Touhid underscored the significance of Bangladesh鈥檚 participation in the UNGA and emphasised the interim government鈥檚 commitment to reform and human rights.
Bangladesh will also take part in key side events, including a high-level discussion on the Rohingya crisis and the Summit of the Future.
South Asian affairs expert Michael Kugelman noted that Yunus鈥� speech would be his first major address on a global platform since assuming leadership of the interim government, providing an opportunity to present his vision for governance and seek international support, particularly on the Rohingya issue.
Foreign secretary Md Jashim Uddin and director general (East Asia and Pacific Wing) Toufique Hasan were also present at the briefing.
