World Leaders Extend Full Support To Interim Government Of Yunus

Dozens of global leaders gathered Friday at Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus’s hotel suite in New York, where they offered their full support to him and the Interim Government.

The leaders pledged their expertise and assistance to Bangladesh during this critical period.

The delegation was led by former President of Latvia Vaira Vīķe-Freiberga, co-chair of the Nizami Ganjavi International Center (NGIC), named after the renowned 11th-century Persian poet.

The high-profile group included: Borut Pahor, former President of Slovenia; Boris Tadić, former President of Serbia; Egils Levits, former President of Latvia; Charles Michel, President Emeritus of the European Council and former Prime Minister of Belgium; George Papandreou, former Prime Minister of Greece; Rosen Plevneliev and Petar Stoyanov, former Presidents of Bulgaria; Ivo Josipović, former President of Croatia; Mladen Ivanić, former President of Bosnia and Herzegovina; and Ameenah Gurib-Fakim, former President of Mauritius.

Also in attendance were a former Commonwealth Secretary General, a former Deputy Prime Minister of Georgia, four former Presidents of the UN General Assembly, several former foreign ministers, NGIC co-chair and former World Bank Vice President Ismail Serageldin, Kerry Kennedy, President of Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights, as well as senior representatives from the IAEA and the Georgetown Institute for Women, Peace and Security.

Speakers praised Professor Yunus’s lifelong dedication to eradicating poverty and advancing social justice. “We’re here to support you and the people of Bangladesh,” one leader said. “We are fully behind you.”

They recognized Bangladesh’s progress under Yunus’s leadership but also stressed the enormous challenges facing the country after 16 years of misrule, corruption, and exploitation.

Several leaders committed to helping the Interim Government with reconstruction and recovery efforts. “We’re ready to work with you. Whatever guidance or support you need — just let us know. There is so much to be done,” another leader remarked.

Kerry Kennedy, who recently visited Bangladesh, praised the country’s human rights advancements: “The strides you’ve made on human rights are extraordinary.”

Melanne Verveer, Executive Director of the Georgetown Institute for Women, Peace and Security, announced that the Institute will soon formally express its support for Bangladesh’s July Revolution. NGIC co-chair Ismail Serageldin added: “If you need us, we are here for you.”

Expressing deep gratitude, Professor Yunus said: “This is totally unexpected. To see you come together like this in support of us — it’s unbelievable. I’m truly touched.”

He compared Bangladesh’s situation to the aftermath of a natural disaster: “This country has been through a 15-year-long earthquake. Its magnitude was 9 on the Richter scale.”

He also noted the challenge of meeting high public expectations: “People expect miracles overnight, despite our limited resources. But we must also fulfill the dreams of our youth — they are looking for a new Bangladesh.”

Professor Yunus urged the international community to back the country’s upcoming general elections, scheduled for February. “We need your guidance. Your advice, support, and moral strength will be invaluable.”

SDG Coordinator Lamiya Morshed was also present at the meeting.