Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus has sought support from United Nations (UN) Secretary-General António Guterres, stressing that the next few months will be crucial as the country is heading towards the national election.

"We need your support for the election," Prof Yunus said, highlighting that the ousted regime and its allies are funding disinformation campaigns using stolen assets in a bid to destabilise the country ahead of the vote.

The UN Secretary-General expressed his full support and solidarity with Bangladesh’s ongoing democratic transition and reform initiatives.

He made the remarks during a meeting with the Chief Adviser at the UN Headquarters in New York on Monday (US time).

Prof Yunus led a high-level delegation that included Foreign Adviser Touhid Hossain and National Security Adviser Dr Khalilur Rahman, Principal Secretary Siraj Uddin Miah and SDGs Affairs Principal Coordinator Lamiya Morshed, said Chief Adviser’s Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder.

During the meeting, the two sides discussed a wide range of issues, including political reforms, preparations for the upcoming general election scheduled for February, accountability for the atrocities committed during the July Uprising, global trade concerns surrounding protectionist tariff measures, and the upcoming International Rohingya Conference set for September 30.

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The Chief Adviser briefed the Secretary-General on the reform measures undertaken by the Interim Government and its commitment to ensuring a free, fair and peaceful election.

“They do not want an election in February. Certain international quarters are backing them,” he added.

In response, Secretary-General Guterres reaffirmed the UN's strong support for Bangladesh’s democratic transition and reform agenda.

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He also reiterated the UN’s ongoing commitment to global advocacy for a durable solution to the Rohingya crisis.

He also commended the efforts of the Chief Adviser over the last 14 months, saying he respects and admires his leadership in guiding this difficult transition in Bangladesh.

The Chief Adviser expressed gratitude to the Secretary-General for convening Monday’s high-level International Rohingya Conference, stating that the event would play a critical role in keeping the crisis at the forefront of global attention and mobilise fund for critical humanitarian responses in the camps.

The UN chief also reiterated support and solidarity with Bangladesh in finding a pathway to resolve the Rohingya crisis.