Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus has reaffirmed Bangladesh’s commitment to holding the 13th National Parliamentary Election in February while continuing reform programs aimed at ensuring transparency, accountability, and the rule of law.
Addressing the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York on Friday (September 26), Prof. Yunus highlighted the measures taken by the interim government following the July people’s uprising. He spoke on reforms, economic recovery, anti-corruption drives, efforts to repatriate laundered assets, the Rohingya crisis, and global conflicts.
Yunus said the interim administration has set up 11 reform commissions to rebuild a broken state structure and establish a balanced democratic framework. “Our goal is to ensure that no autocrat can return and no elected leader can undermine democracy. Whoever wins the next election, there will be no uncertainty in implementing reforms,” he asserted.
On the economy, the Nobel laureate emphasized that good governance, social inclusion, and sustainable growth remain at the core of the interim government’s strategy. He accused the previous administration of corruption and large-scale money laundering, which weakened the economy, and called for stronger international cooperation to repatriate stolen assets.
Speaking on the Rohingya issue, Yunus said it is not merely a bilateral matter between Bangladesh and Myanmar but a regional and international concern. He warned that severe funding shortages have pushed refugee camps to the brink of collapse and urged the global community to step up emergency support.
Condemning Israeli atrocities in Gaza, he termed the ongoing situation a “blatant genocide,” pointing out that children are dying of hunger, civilians are being indiscriminately killed, and hospitals and schools are being destroyed. He called for urgent international action and reiterated Bangladesh’s strong support for an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital.
Prof. Yunus concluded by reaffirming his government’s pledge to build an inclusive, just, and democratic Bangladesh that can stand with dignity on the world stage.