What's For Bangladesh's Next Chapter After Dr Yunus's Remarkable UN Visit, Key Takeaways

Dr. Muhammad Yunus’s trip to the UNGA was a key moment for Bangladesh, building global support for reforms and strengthening international relationships.

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Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus arrived in New York on Monday night to attend the 79th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). This was his first trip to the United States as the head of the Bangladesh government. He was welcomed at the airport by Bangladesh's Ambassador to the UN and other officials.

[Chief Adviser and his delegation arrives in New York/ChiefAdviserGoB/Twitter]

On Tuesday, Yunus has a busy schedule. He will meet with US President Joe Biden, which is significant because it's rare for a US president to hold meetings with Bangladeshi leaders during the UNGA.  He will also attend a reception hosted by UN Secretary-General António Guterres.

Throughout his time in New York, Yunus will participate in discussions about important issues, including the Rohingya crisis. He will speak at the General Debate on September 27, sharing his views on building a better future for Bangladesh.

Yunus is accompanied by a small group of advisers. They plan to meet with many world leaders, including the Prime Ministers of the Netherlands and Pakistan, and the President of the European Union.

The theme of this year’s General Debate is “Leaving no one behind.” This reflects the global goal of working together to improve peace and support human rights for everyone.

 

IMF supports Bangladesh’s reform plans, says Georgieva.

IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva has shown support for Bangladesh’s efforts to make important changes. She spoke during a meeting with Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus at the UN Annual General Assembly on September 24. Georgieva called this new phase of the country “Bangladesh 2.0.”

[Chief advisor. IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva in a meeting with Muhammad Yunus/Collected]

Professor Yunus explained that the interim government has created six groups to work on changes in elections, the police, the courts, fighting corruption, and other important areas. He said the government will talk with political parties about the changes. He also said that the election date will be announced after the voter list is ready.

Georgieva promised that the IMF will act quickly to provide financial help. She mentioned that a team from the IMF is already in Dhaka. They will share their report with the IMF Board next month. After that, the IMF may start a new loan program or give more loans under the current one.

Dr. Devapriya Bhattacharya, who was also at the meeting, said IMF’s help is very important to improve Bangladesh’s economy. He added that IMF support would help keep the country’s money exchange rate stable and strengthen the balance of payments.

During the United Nations General Assembly, important meetings took place in New York. Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met Dr. Muhammad Yunus, the Chief Adviser of Bangladesh’s Interim Government.

[Image: Chief Advisor Yunus meets with Pakistan’s Sharif]

Italy Calls for Stronger Ties with Bangladesh, Says PM Meloni

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni wants to strengthen ties between Italy and Bangladesh. She called for a "new chapter" in their relationship, saying, "Italians are friends of Bangladesh."

[Chief advisor. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in a meeting with Muhammad Yunus/ChiefAdviserGoB/Twitter]

Meloni met with Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus at the United Nations General Assembly on September 24. She promised support for the reforms being made by Yunus and his government in Bangladesh.

During the meeting, Professor Yunus spoke about the recent student-led uprising in Bangladesh. He said this movement gives the country a chance to "reset" and move forward in a better direction.

Professor Yunus also asked Meloni to help make immigration from Bangladesh to Italy easier and safer. He suggested that legal immigration could reduce dangerous illegal immigration.

Prime Minister Meloni agreed, saying both countries should work together to stop illegal immigration. She also supported training programs to help Bangladeshis interested in working in Italy through legal channels.

Both leaders expressed hope for stronger cooperation between Italy and Bangladesh in the future.

Chief Adviser Yunus Gifts Art to Canada’s PM, Requests More Student Visas

During the anti-discrimination student movement in Bangladesh last July and August, students created colorful paintings on the walls of Dhaka. A collection of these artworks, called The Art of Triumph, was given as a gift to Canada's Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau. Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus presented the gift during a meeting at the United Nations General Assembly on September 24.

[The Art of Triumph was given as a gift to the Prime Minister of Canada. Yunus/ChiefAdviserGoB/Twitter]

In the meeting, Professor Yunus requested that Canada issue more visas for Bangladeshi students. Trudeau praised Yunus for his leadership and assured him that Canada would continue to support Bangladesh.

Professor Yunus also explained how the previous government had weakened the country’s institutions. He thanked Trudeau for Canada’s long-standing friendship with Bangladesh and their support of the interim government.

Trudeau expressed his commitment to helping build strong institutions in Bangladesh and showed interest in deepening the relationship between the two countries. The meeting highlighted the shared desire for closer cooperation, especially in education and development.

Biden Promises Support to Bangladesh and Yunus-led Government

US President Joe Biden promised full support to Bangladesh during his meeting with Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus at the United Nations General Assembly in New York. This was the first time a US president met with the head of Bangladesh on the sidelines of the UNGA.

[Joe Biden and Dr. Muhammad Yunus exchanged greetings before the start of the meeting/ChiefAdviserGoB/Twitter]

During the meeting, Prof Yunus explained how students in Bangladesh had fought against the old government, even giving their lives for change. He said the country needs help from the US to rebuild.

President Biden was impressed by the students' courage and said, “If the students can make such sacrifices, we should do more to help.” Biden also received a book, The Art of Triumph, which features wall paintings created by the students during the revolution.

This meeting is a big moment for Bangladesh, as it shows that the US is ready to support the country during this important time. Shafiqul Alam, the Press Secretary, called it an "important day" for Bangladesh and said the relationship with the US will grow stronger after this.

Yunus Calls for Support for Bangladesh's Bright Future

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus is asking for help from other countries as Bangladesh starts a new journey toward a happy and prosperous future. He spoke at a reception in New York on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, celebrating 50 years of Bangladesh’s membership in the United Nations.

[Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus was speaking during a reception on the sidelines of the 79th UNGA. Photo: ChiefAdviserGoB/Twitter]

During his speech, Yunus said, “Our job is to clean it up and reform it. We need to make a good start. We need all of your support to make that happen.” He thanked the students for their sacrifices and said the whole nation is united for a better Bangladesh.

Shahidul Alam, a photographer and activist, helped Yunus unveil two books showing the student-led uprising. Yunus also met with Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and former US President Bill Clinton at the event.

[Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus met former US President Bill Clinton during the UN General Assembly in New York on September 24. Photo:ChiefAdviserGoB/Twitter]

The UN congratulated Yunus on his first visit to the US as the head of Bangladesh's government. The 79th UNGA theme focuses on working together for peace and sustainable development for everyone.

Nepal and Bangladesh discussed energy cooperation.

Earlier this month, Ghanshyam Bhandari, the Ambassador of Nepal to Bangladesh, met with Professor Muhammad Yunus, the Chief Adviser of Bangladesh’s interim government, during the United Nations General Assembly. They gathered at the State Guest House Jamuna to discuss Nepal’s strong hydropower potential and expressed hope that both countries could soon start energy trading.

The meeting was friendly and celebratory. Ambassador Bhandari congratulated Yunus on his new leadership role after a significant student-led protest in July and August. He also thanked Bangladesh for allowing Nepal to use its Chattogram and Mongla ports.

They noted the close ties between Nepal and Bangladesh, mentioning the many opportunities for trade and cooperation. The Ambassador shared excitement about sending 40 megawatts of hydroelectric power from Nepal to Bangladesh soon. Both leaders agreed that working together on energy could benefit both nations and help the environment.

The Significance of Dr. Muhammad Yunus's Trip to the UNGA and Other Countries 

Dr. Muhammad Yunus’s recent trip to the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) was very important for Bangladesh. Yunus is known for helping people get out of poverty and for his work with social businesses. 

Being at the UN gave him a chance to show how Bangladesh wants to work together with other countries to make positive changes.

During the UNGA, Yunus talked about key issues in Bangladesh. He shared the hopes for a fair justice system and a government that helps its people. His speech was powerful, especially since he highlighted a student movement that stood up against unfairness. By sharing these stories, he aimed to get support from other countries for Bangladesh’s reform plans.

Yunus also had a big meeting with US President Joe Biden. This meeting was significant because it showed that the United States supports Bangladesh’s new government. Such meetings are rare at the UNGA, making it a great chance for Bangladesh to strengthen its relationships globally.

In addition, Yunus met with Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar. This meeting was important to help fix the relationship between Bangladesh and India after some recent problems. Having good ties with India is essential for both countries to work together on regional issues.

Yunus took part in many meetings with leaders from different countries, talking about important global issues, including the Rohingya crisis. His attendance at a high-level event about this crisis showed how Bangladesh cares about helping people in need.

The trip also highlighted the need for Bangladesh to move from friendly gestures, like giving hilsa fish and mangoes to other countries, to serious trade discussions. Yunus knows that Bangladesh needs to focus on real solutions to grow its economy and build strong trade relationships.

Through his time at the UNGA, Yunus showed that Bangladesh is ready to engage in meaningful talks. He encouraged ideas like “blue economy diplomacy” and “green trade diplomacy,” aiming to make Bangladesh a leader in taking care of its ocean resources and using eco-friendly practices.

Additionally, before  his trip, Yunus had a discussion about energy cooperation with Nepal's Ambassador, Ghanshyam Bhandari. This talk was important because it opened the door for energy trading, using Nepal's abundant hydropower resources to benefit both countries. 

These conversations can help strengthen regional ties and boost economic collaboration, paving the way for a sustainable energy future in South Asia.

Overall, Yunus’s trip to the UNGA and other countries was an important step for Bangladesh. It showed the country’s hopes for reform, teamwork, and a stronger role in the world. As Bangladesh goes through changes, the lessons and connections made during this trip will help shape its future.