Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus has sought support from foreign friends for Bangladesh's new journey towards a happy and prosperous future, stressing that they do not want to miss the opportunity to build a new Bangladesh.
"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 said while speaking at a reception on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly on Tuesday evening (New York time).
Representatives of the countries attending the UNGA joined the reception hosted by Bangladesh to mark the 50th anniversary of the country’s United Nations membership.
On September 17, 1974, Bangladesh became a full member of the United Nations.
Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain, Energy Adviser Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan, Permanent Representative of Bangladesh to the UN Ambassador Muhammad Abdul Muhith, Principal Coordinator (SDGs Affairs) Lamiya Morshed, Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam, Additional Foreign Secretary Riaz Hamidullah, Deputy Press Secretaries Abul Kalam Azad Majumdar and Apurba Jahangir were present.
Photographer, writer, curator and activist Shahidul Alam joined Prof Yunus in unveiling two books that depict events of the student-led mass uprising.
Recalling the sacrifices made by the students, Prof Yunus said the whole nation is united today. "We don't want to make them (who dreamt of a new Bangladesh) disappointed."
Prof Yunus said the students invited him to lead the interim government until the election is held, following implementation of the reforms agenda.
"It is a very significant year for us. It is brought by the young people of Bangladesh," he said.
Earlier, the United Nations conveyed best wishes to Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus as he attends the UNGA when Bangladesh is celebrating its 50 years relationship with the United Nations.
"My best wishes to Chief Advisor, Dr. Yunus, as he attends the General Assembly. This year, Bangladesh celebrates its 50-year relationship with the UN," said UN Resident Coordinator in Dhaka Gwyn Lewis in a brief message shared on X.
Chief Adviser Prof Yunus spoke to Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on the sidelines of an event at the UN headquarters on Tuesday.
He also shared the stage with former US President Bill Clinton at the Clinton Global Initiative 2024 meeting.
Yunus is on his first visit to the United States as head of the Bangladesh government to attend the 79th UNGA.
The general debate of the 79th session of the General Assembly began on Tuesday and will continue through Saturday, September 28, and conclude on Monday, September 30, 2024.
The theme for the general debate of the 79th session of the General Assembly is "Leaving no one behind: acting together for the advancement of peace, sustainable development and human dignity for present and future generations".