United News of Bangladesh

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Wednesday suggested five priorities for better financing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including mobilisation of domestic resources fairly, supported by international assistance. "Tax systems must be progressive, transparent, and ensure multinational corporations pay their share. Negotiations under the UN Framework on International Tax Cooperation must address these inequities," he said. Prof Yunus shared the five priorities while delivering the speech at the opening segment of ‘First Biennial Summit for a Sustainable, Inclusive and Resilient Global Economy: Implementing Commitments on Financing the Sustainable Development Goals’ at the UN headquarters. Prof Yunus said UN budget cuts or shrinking (Official Development Assistance (ODA) would be counterproductive for countries like Bangladesh that hosts 1.3 million Rohingyas amid several other crises like battling climate shocks, and economic turbulence. ‘Gloobal support must expand.’

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus invited US President Donald Trump to visit Bangladesh at a convenient time during a reception hosted by the President in New York on Tuesday. Prof Yunus attended the event at the invitation of President Trump, who is in New York for the UN General Assembly (UNGA). At the reception, he exchanged pleasantries with President Trump and several world leaders, including King Felipe VI of Spain, Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, UN Secretary-General António Guterres, and Bhutanese Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay.

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus has urged the World Bank to assist in recovering the stolen funds and support the reform and modernization of the Chittagong Port, emphasising its potential to generate millions of manufacturing jobs and enhance regional cooperation. "Chittagong Port is the key to economic growth in the region. Let’s develop together," Prof Yunus said, noting that landlocked Nepal and Bhutan, as well as India's seven northeastern states, stand to benefit significantly from an upgraded port. He made the remarks when World Bank President Ajay Banga met him on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) at UN Headquarters in New York on Tuesday. During the meeting, they discussed a range of critical issues, including the upcoming national election in February, the country's democratic transition, fiscal and banking sector reforms, the revitalisation of the Chittagong Port, regional economic integration and the growing political engagement of youth across Asia.

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus, who played a key role in transforming the Paris 2024 Olympics into one of the largest social business events in history, has emphasised the importance of making all future Olympic Games, including the upcoming Los Angeles Olympics, carbon neutral. He made the remarks when Mayor of Paris, Anne Hidalgo, called on Chiat at his hotel in New York on Tuesday. During their meeting, the two leaders discussed a range of pressing issues, including the upcoming general election in Bangladesh, reforms initiated by the interim government, the role of social business in sports and the Olympics, and global refugee challenges, particularly the ongoing Rohingya humanitarian crisis, said Chief Adviser’s Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder. He said Bangladesh is on course for a democratic transition, with the next general election scheduled for the first half of February. “The upcoming February election will be a foundational one, ushering in a new era for the country's democracy,” said the Chief Adviser. Mayor Hidalgo expressed her full confidence in Professor Yunus's leadership during this critical time. “I admire your leadership. You’ve done an excellent job,” she said. IOC board approves boxing for 2028 Los Angeles Olympics Both leaders underlined the urgent need for increased funding to support humanitarian efforts for over one million Rohingya refugees living in camps in southeastern Bangladesh. Mayor Hidalgo specifically called for improved living conditions in refugee camps across the globe and expressed hope that the Rohingya people would one day be able to return safely and with dignity to their homeland in Myanmar. Prof Yunus noted that the United Nations is hosting a major international conference on the Rohingya crisis next week, with the aim of revitalizing global attention on one of the most severe refugee situations in decades. Special Olympics: Bangladesh win gold medal in floorball event He also extended an invitation to Mayor Hidalgo to visit Bangladesh at a mutually convenient time. Lamiya Morshed, SDGs Affairs Principal Coordinator and Senior Secretary to the Government of Bangladesh, was also present at the meeting.    

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Tuesday expressed profound sorrow at the passing of Saudi Arabia’s Grand Mufti and Head of the Council of Senior Scholars, Sheikh Abdulaziz Al-Sheikh. The Grand Mufti passed away in Riyadh on Tuesday morning at the age of 82. In his condolence message, the Chief Adviser said that with the demise of Sheikh Abdulaziz Al-Sheikh, the Muslim Ummah has lost a towering scholar and a guiding voice of Islamic thought. "His lifelong dedication to the service of Islam and his invaluable scholarly contributions will be remembered with deep respect and gratitude. The Islamic world will feel his absence profoundly,” he said. CA Yunus expresses sorrow over death of firefighter in Tongi Sheikh Abdulaziz Al-Sheikh, who served as the head of the General Presidency of Scholarly Research and Ifta as well as the Supreme Council of the Muslim World League, was recognised globally for his erudition and leadership. He began his higher education in 1961 at the College of Shariah, Imam Mohammad bin Saud Islamic University in Riyadh, graduating in 1965 with a specialisation in Arabic and Islamic Shariah.

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus will convey Bangladesh’s commitment to holding a 'free, fair, peaceful and credible' election in the first half of February next during his upcoming speech at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). “This will be a foundational election for Bangladesh. People will be able to exercise their voting rights peacefully. This message will be conveyed to the international community,” Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam told reporters on Tuesday night. Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder, Senior Assistant Press Secretary Foyez Ahmmad, and Assistant Press Secretary Shuchismita Tithi were also present. Prof Yunus is scheduled to deliver his UNGA speech on September 26 (afternoon, New York time). Alam said the international community has expressed support for the government’s efforts to ensure a transparent national election in February. In his speech, the Chief Adviser is expected to focus on three key areas—reform, justice, and elections—highlighting initiatives taken over the past 14 months and the challenges faced in advancing the democratic process. Prof Yunus has already reaffirmed his government’s pledge to hold one of the most transparent and credible elections in Bangladesh’s history, expressing hope that international observers will monitor the polls to ensure integrity. He is also set to highlight measures taken toward economic recovery. “Prof Yunus also has some personal messages for global leaders, which he will share, addressing broader geopolitical and global issues,” the Press Secretary added. The Rohingya crisis will also feature prominently in his address, as he seeks stronger global support for a sustainable solution. Bangladesh set for most transparent election: Prof Yunus tells global leaders On political dialogue at home, Alam emphasized that the government is maintaining communication with political parties through the National Consensus Commission. “They are our key stakeholders. The July Charter is part of this process,” he said, expressing the hope for peaceful solutions through dialogue. Asked about the Awami League’s role, Alam said, “What they did over the last 15 years is clear. There was no misdeed they were not engaged in.” Secretary-General António Guterres warned on Tuesday that “impunity is the mother of chaos” as world leaders gathered to mark its 80th anniversary and open the General Debate. The UN chief said cooperation is “a practical strategy for survival, not an act of naiveté,” but cautioned that the principles of peace and progress are being eroded by war, inequality and climate chaos. Key Programmes on Wednesday Prof Yunus will attend the opening segment of first Biennial Summit for a Sustainable, Inclusive and Resilient Global Economy: Implementing Commitments on Financing the Sustainable Development Goals on Wednesday. He will hold bilateral meeting with Alexander Stubb, President of Finland at 10:00am on Wednesday. Prof Yunus will attend the UNGA high-level working session on 'Transforming Primary Healthcare-Bangladesh’s Blueprint' at 11:00am He will hold a bilateral meeting with the Prime Minister of Italy in the afternoon. He will attend the US-Bangladesh Executive Business Roundtable: Advancing Reform, Resilience and Growth_ Organized by US-Bangladesh Business Council (USBBC). Club de Madrid will meet the Chief Adviser while there will be bilateral meetings with the President of Kosovo at 4:00pm and with the Prime Minister of Pakistan at 5:00pm. A Conversation with Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus _ An Asia Society Event; which will be moderated by Kyung wha Kang, President of Asia Society (former FM of South Korea) at 6:00pm. Prof Yunus honoured at Theirworld’s annual Global Education Dinner Prof Yunus will attend a private Dmdinner to mark the 3rd anniversary of the Ban ki-moon Foundation at 7:15pm. High-Level Meetings on UNGA Sidelines Alongside UNGA events, Prof Yunus held a series of high-level meetings with global leaders at UN Headquarters in New York on Monday and Tuesday. He met the Prime Minister of Australia, Queen Máxima of the Netherlands, the Director-General of the World Health Organization, the former President of Chile, and the current Foreign Minister of Uruguay. Prof Yunus exchanged greetings with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese at the UNGA inaugural session. Their brief discussion covered Bangladesh’s reform initiatives, the upcoming general election, and the growing Bangladeshi diaspora in Australia. Albanese warmly acknowledged the contributions of the Bangladeshi community, recalling his participation in a commemoration of Language Martyrs’ Day several years ago. Later, Prof Yunus met Queen Máxima of the Netherlands, who also serves as the UN Secretary-General’s Special Advocate for Inclusive Finance for Development. Their discussion focused on expanding access to health insurance globally, particularly in the Global South. They explored innovations in financial services, including life and health insurance, long-term savings, and pension schemes, stressing the need for greater financial inclusion. Prof Yunus underscored the urgency of expanding credit access for maternal healthcare and suggested digital health check-ups to connect rural women with top doctors—an initiative he said could save countless lives. He also urged restructuring of the global pharmaceutical industry, calling for more drug manufacturers to operate as social business enterprises. “Vaccines produced by social business drug manufacturers will remain affordable,” Prof Yunus said. The Chief Adviser invited Queen Máxima to visit Bangladesh at a convenient time. Her Royal Highness Catharina-Amalia, Princess of Orange, also joined the meeting. Security measures for Prof Yunus, his entourage reinforced in NY Prof Yunus later met Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization, to discuss shared priorities and recent global health developments. The Chief Adviser also attended two key events: one on Fashion for Development and another focusing on public–private collaboration in social innovation.

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus, the 2006 Nobel Peace Laureate and founder of the Grameen Bank, was honoured with Theirworld’s Unlock Big Change award in recognition of his pioneering work in social and economic development and his unwavering commitment to education. Theirworld’s Annual High-Level Global Education Dinner, held during the United Nations General Assembly in New York, brought together global leaders and changemakers to champion education for all. The event was held on Monday evening at a hotel in New York. The highlight of the evening was the presentation of Theirworld’s Unlock Big Change award to Prof Yunus, his Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder said on Tuesday.  Theirworld is a global children's charity committed to ending global education crisis and unleashing the potential of the next generation. Co-hosted by Gordon Brown, UN Special Envoy for Global Education and former UK Prime Minister and Sarah Brown, Chair of Theirworld and Executive Chair of the Global Business Coalition for Education, the event celebrated the power of education to transform lives and communities. Prof Yunus attends UNGA’s inaugural session Prof Yunus was honoured alongside Filippo Grandi, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, but it was Yunus’ lifelong mission to eradicate poverty through microfinance—and to make education a core part of that mission—that resonated most deeply with attendees. In presenting the award, Gordon Brown praised Yunus as a global trailblazer whose work has empowered millions. No project in the private sector has done more to release people from poverty in the past 50 years, he said. Accepting the award, Prof Yunus reiterated that credit is a basic human right, equal in importance to food, healthcare and education. “If you open the door to the financial system, nobody will be a poor person any more. I included education in the microcredit package, and we helped women make sure their children could go to school," he said.  Throughout his remarks, Prof Yunus emphasised the interconnection between financial empowerment and educational opportunity.  Security measures for Prof Yunus, his entourage reinforced in NY He shared stories of individuals—particularly women—who, through microcredit, were able to lift their families out of poverty and ensure their children could attend school. Prof Yunus also challenged traditional models of education, calling for a shift in mindset to foster creativity and entrepreneurship from an early age. “As a child, you should be learning how to become an entrepreneur,” he said. He said students in universities should be taught how to use business as a force for good. Any university should be a place where solving human problems is not just encouraged, but expected, he added. “All human problems can be solved in a business way,” Prof Yunus said.

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus has reaffirmed his government's commitment to conducting one of the most transparent and credible elections in the country’s history, set for early February.  He expressed the hope that international observers would be present to ensure the integrity of the electoral process in Bangladesh.  The Chief Adviser held a series of high-level meetings with prominent global leaders on the sidelines of the 80th United Nations General Assembly at the UN Headquarters in New York on Tuesday. The Prime Minister of Australia, Queen Máxima of the Netherlands, the Director-General of the World Health Organization, the former President of Chile and the current Foreign Minister of Uruguay were among those he met. Prof Yunus briefly exchanged greetings with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese following their attendance at the UNGA's inaugural session, said Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam.  Their short conversations touched on key topics, including reforms, undertaken by the interim government, the upcoming general election in Bangladesh and the growing Bangladeshi diaspora in Australia. Prof Yunus seeks WTO support for Bangladesh’s smooth LDC graduation Prime Minister Albanese spoke warmly of the Bangladeshi community’s growing contributions to Australia, particularly in his own constituency.  He recalled attending a commemoration of Language Martyrs’ Day on February 21 several years ago. Later, Prof Yunus met Queen Máxima of the Netherlands, who also serves as the UN Secretary-General’s Special Advocate for Inclusive Finance for Development.  The discussion focused on expanding access to health insurance globally, particularly in the Global South. They explored innovations in the financial sector, including life and health insurance, long-term savings, and pension schemes—and emphasised the importance of financial inclusion.  Prof Yunus highlighted the urgent need for credit access tailored to maternal healthcare, especially during pregnancy.  He proposed the use of digital health check-ups to connect rural women with top medical professionals, which could save countless lives. Security measures for Prof Yunus, his entourage reinforced in NY During the meeting, Prof Yunus also called for a restructuring of the global pharmaceutical industry, urging for more drug manufacturers to operate as social business enterprises. “Vaccines produced by social business drug manufacturers will remain affordable,” said Prof Yunus. The Chief Adviser invited Queen Máxima to visit Bangladesh at a mutually convenient time. Catharina-Amalia, the Princess of Orange, also joined the meeting. Prof Yunus also met Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization. Their discussions  covered a range of shared priorities and recent global health developments. Later in the day, the Chief Adviser participated in two key events: one on Fashion for Development and another focusing on public and private sector collaboration in social innovation.  

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on Tuesday urged the World Trade Organization (WTO) to provide its full support to ensure a smooth transition for Bangladesh as it prepares to graduate from Least Developed Country (LDC) status. Prof Yunus raised the issue during a meeting with WTO Director-General Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala on the sidelines of the 80th United Nations General Assembly at the UN Headquarters in New York. He requested DG WTO's role in the upcoming WTO Ministerial Conference for a meaningful outcome to assist countries on the path to LDC graduation, ensuring they are not adversely affected by the potential withdrawal of trade concessions or preferential trade access in developed markets. DG WTO assured of her all-out support. Bangladesh is expected to graduate from LDC in late 2026. Their discussion also touched on long-anticipated WTO reforms and current global trade challenges, amid growing concerns over protectionism and a possible retreat from globalization. In response, Dr. Okonjo-Iweala emphasized that despite widespread concerns, global trade remains resilient, with approximately 75 percent of world trade still governed by WTO rules. The WTO chief sought Bangladesh’s support in advancing critical reforms within the Geneva-based organization. "The WTO must reform. I need your active engagement. I want your leadership here," she said. CA Yunus expresses sorrow over death of firefighter in Tongi Professor Yunus echoed the call for comprehensive WTO reforms, stating the organization must adapt to lead effectively in a rapidly evolving global trade environment. "It is time to take up the challenge," he said, adding that Bangladesh is prepared to raise its voice in support of meaningful change. Also present at the meeting were Energy and Transport Adviser Fouzul Kabir Khan, Special Envoy of the Chief Adviser Lutfey Siddiqi, and SDG Coordinator and Senior Secretary Lamiya Morshed.  

The Indira Gandhi Cultural Centre (IGCC) of the Indian High Commission in Dhaka on Tuesday celebrated the 10th National Ayurveda Day 2025, highlighting the shared heritage of traditional medicine between India and Bangladesh. Themed “Ayurveda for People, Ayurveda for Planet,” this year’s observance underscored Ayurveda’s role in ensuring both individual well-being and ecological balance. Delivering the welcome address, IGCC Director Ann Mary George said India and Bangladesh share historic, linguistic, and cultural ties, with Ayurveda being practiced in Bangladesh for centuries. Alongside Unani, Yoga, and Homoeopathy, she noted, Ayurveda remains integral to Bangladesh’s health policy. Ann Mary George pointed out that similar geo-climatic conditions allow both countries to share a wealth of medicinal plants, creating opportunities for joint research and innovation. She also mentioned that Bangladeshi students frequently travel to India for studies in traditional medicine, further deepening cultural and academic exchanges. In his keynote address, Dr Sarik Hasan Khan, Vice Principal of the Government Unani and Ayurvedic Medical College in Dhaka, highlighted the importance of Ayurveda and Unani systems in preventive healthcare. Indian High Commission celebrates Buddha Purnima in Dhaka The programme featured a short film titled “Journey of Ayurveda,” a yoga demonstration by IGCC instructor Shahanaz Parvin Shikha, and an interactive session led by Farhana Sultana Karim, founder of Yoga Bliss in Dhaka. The event also showcased Ayurveda’s enduring relevance in promoting holistic health and sustainable living, while reinforcing the spirit of friendship and cooperation between India and Bangladesh.