UN Secretary-General’s full support for Bangladesh’s democratic transition

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has expressed his full support and solidarity for Bangladesh’s ongoing democratic transition and reform programme. He made the remarks during a meeting with Principal Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus at the UN Headquarters in New York on Monday (September 29). The information was released by the Principal Adviser’s Press Wing.
A high-level delegation led by Professor Yunus attended the meeting, which included Foreign Affairs Adviser Towhid Hossain, National Security Adviser Dr. Khalilur Rahman, Principal Secretary Siraj Uddin Mia and SDG Coordinator Lamia Morshed.
The meeting discussed various important bilateral issues. These included political reforms, the upcoming national elections in February, accountability for those responsible for the genocide in the July coup, the impact of protectionist tariffs on world trade and the international Rohingya conference to be held on September 30.
The Chief Adviser told the UN Secretary-General that the reformist steps already taken by the interim government are aimed at ensuring a free, fair and peaceful election.
Professor Yunus said the next few months are crucial. We seek UN support for the elections.
He added that the ousted government and its allies are waging a disinformation campaign to destabilize the country through laundered assets.
The Chief Adviser said they do not want the February elections. Some international circles are also supporting them.
In response, Guterres reiterated the UN’s strong support for Bangladesh’s democratic transition and reform agenda. He also highlighted the UN’s continued commitment to a long-term solution to the Rohingya crisis.
Praising Professor Yunus’ leadership over the past 14 months, the Secretary-General said, “I respect and commend your leadership in this difficult transition for Bangladesh.” The Principal Adviser thanked the Secretary-General for organizing the International Rohingya Conference and said that the conference would place the Rohingya crisis on the global community’s priority list and help mobilize funds for urgent humanitarian assistance in the refugee camps. The UN Secretary-General reiterated his commitment to stand by Bangladesh in finding a sustainable solution to the Rohingya crisis.