CA To Begin Packed UNGA Visit Sept 22; Rohingya, Reforms, Democracy To Dominate Agenda

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus will depart Dhaka on September 22 for New York to attend the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), where he is scheduled to deliver Bangladesh’s national statement, join a series of high-level meetings, and represent the country at key global events.

Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain briefed reporters today at the Foreign Service Academy, confirming that Prof Yunus will address the General Assembly on September 26.

In his speech, the Chief Adviser is expected to highlight the interim government’s reform agenda, the aspirations of the July 2024 mass uprising, and its pledge to hold free, fair, and inclusive elections in February 2026.

Hossain also announced that four senior political leaders will accompany the Bangladesh delegation this year: 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.

Senior officials including the Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam, Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam, and Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder were present at the briefing.

This year’s UNGA carries special significance for Bangladesh as the UN will, for the first time, host a High-Level Conference on the Situation of Rohingya Muslims and Other Minorities in Myanmar on September 30. The initiative stems from a proposal made by Prof Yunus last year, which received unanimous backing from member states.

Ahead of the conference, Bangladesh organized the first-ever “Partners’ Dialogue” in Cox’s Bazar last month with international partners and Rohingya representatives.

“This unprecedented high-level meeting, along with UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ visit to Bangladesh earlier this year, demonstrates that despite global crises, the Rohingya issue remains firmly on the international agenda,” Hossain said.

The Chief Adviser will also participate in the High-Level Meeting on the 30th Anniversary of the World Programme of Action for Youth on September 25. Hossain noted that Bangladesh’s youth, who led last year’s democratic uprising, remain a driving force for reforms and the vision of a new Bangladesh.

Bangladesh will further engage in discussions on Women, Peace and Security, highlighting its role as one of the top peacekeeping contributors.

Prof Yunus is also expected to address a wide range of global issues, including peacekeeping, climate change and justice, the Sustainable Development Goals, illicit financial flows, safe migration, technology transfer in the AI era, and calls for ceasefire and lasting peace in Palestine.

During the visit, he will attend the UN Secretary-General’s reception, a reception hosted by U.S. President Donald Trump, and hold bilateral meetings with global leaders. “As is customary, some meetings may be added or dropped at the last moment,” Hossain noted.

Alongside, Hossain will represent Bangladesh in multiple multilateral forums, including the Commonwealth Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, the Peacebuilding Commission Ministerial, the G77 and China Ministerial, the Women, Peace and Security Focal Points Network, the OIC Annual Coordination Meeting, BIMSTEC, CICA, and the LDC Ministerial.

“This UNGA session offers Bangladesh a crucial platform to showcase its reform process, democratic transition, and national priorities,” Hossain said. “We expect the Chief Adviser’s leadership to strengthen global cooperation on issues central to Bangladesh’s interests.”

Prof Yunus’s international standing has also drawn requests for interviews from leading global media outlets, along with invitations to side events such as NRB Connect and Asia Society programmes.

The Chief Adviser will travel on a commercial flight and return to Dhaka on October 2.

The UNGA General Debate will be held from September 23–27 and on September 29, with world leaders presenting their positions under the theme “Better Together: 80 years and more for peace, development and human rights.”