Highlighting how the ‘world of work’ is evolving fast, Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus has urged the D-8 member states to undertake action-oriented initiatives including harnessing technology and re-invent ‘learning’. He also encouraged the youths to emerge as agile entrepreneurs by reshaping and further developing their skills and learning. Chief Adviser Dr Yunus returned home on Friday evening wrapping up his official visit to Egypt where he attended the 11th D-8 Summit. A flight of Emirates Airlines carrying the Chief Adviser and his entourage arrived at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka around 5:00pm, Chief Adviser's Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder told UNB. Prof Yunus emphasised on the importance of investing in youth and supporting Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), resonating with the theme of the summit, and proposed initiatives for promoting innovation, entrepreneurship, and skill development among youth in D-8 countries. Prioritise reconstruction of Gaza, West Bank, Lebanon: Prof Yunus On the sidelines of the D-8 Summit, the chief adviser had bilateral meetings with the presidents of Egypt, Iran and prime minister of Pakistan. The minister of higher education of Malaysia also called on the the chief adviser. During the meetings, the CA expressed satisfaction over the current status of bilateral relations between Bangladesh and those countries and hoped to work more closely in the coming days. He called for establishing impact-driven connects between the Universities of the D-8 member states during his remarks at the D-8 Summit held in Cairo December 19. During the summit, the chief adviser handed over the Chairmanship of the D-8 Organization for Economic Cooperation to President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi of the Arab Republic of Egypt after a successful tenure of little over three years marked by milestone achievements, including the ratification of the D-8 Preferential Trade Agreement and the decision of Establishment of D-8 Youth Council in Dhaka. FS requests Canadian envoy to expedite visa processing for Bangladeshi nationals In his opening remarks, while handing the chairmanship, Prof Yunus extended warm congratulations to President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi for assuming the D-8 chairmanship. He highlighted Bangladesh's efforts to advance D-8 cooperation amidst global challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic and multifaceted crises affecting the whole world. Prof Yunus affirmed Bangladesh’s commitment to support Egypt in advancing the cooperative agenda of the D-8. The summit concluded with the adoption of the Cairo Declaration reflecting the collective aspiration and shared commitment of the D-8 member states to address the pressing issues. The Summit was also attended by Indonesia’s President Prabowo Subianto, Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian, Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Nigeria’s Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Tuggar, and Malaysia's Higher Education Minister Zambry Abdul Kadir. The Chief Adviser also delivered his remarks at a ‘Special Session on the Situation in Gaza and Lebanon’ organized by the Government of Egypt and the D-8 Secretariat after the official session of the Summit on December 19. He urged the world leaders to move beyond humanitarian interventions and start focusing towards the reconstruction of Gaza, the West Bank, and Lebanon. PLO Secretary General thanks Chief Adviser for powerful speech on Palestine at D-8 Summit Prof Yunus reiterated Bangladesh’s unwavering support for the Palestinian cause and called for an immediate end to hostilities. He urged decisive international actions to address the crisis, emphasizing the need for accountability for war crimes and the realization of a two-State solution with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as the capital of an independent and viable Palestine based on the pre-1967 borders. Prof Yunus proposed initiating a D-8-led process to estimate reconstruction costs for Gaza and Lebanon and formulate international strategies for resource mobilization. After the Special Session the D-8 leaders adopted a Joint Communiqué on the Situation in Palestine and Lebanon. Prof Yunus urges focus on attitudes, ethics in skilling young workforce In addition to the D-8 leaders, the Special Session was attended by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, Lebanese caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati, Azerbaijan’s Prime Minister Ali Asadov, the Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation Hissein Brahim Taha, and the Secretary-General of the League of Arab States Ahmed Aboul Gheit.

Highlighting the importance of “multilateral efforts” to overcome the global challenges, Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Wednesday said the global problem-solving must rely on cooperation, not conflicts. Addressing a graduation ceremony (National Defence Course-2024), Dr Yunus said they need to be together more than ever before as global challenges do not belong to anyone or any nation alone. Prof Yunus highly appreciated the members of the Bangladesh Armed Forces, noting that their commitment to safeguarding the nation has been exemplary. Dr Yunus seeks more Swedish investment He said Bangladesh Armed Forces symbolises resilience, patriotism and unwavering dedication to peace and remembered their continuous efforts during national crises like disasters, political unrest and pandemics. “These demonstrate your unwavering dedication to the wellbeing of our citizens,” said the Chief Adviser congratulating the NDC graduates from home and abroad.   Besides, Prof Yunus said, their contributions to global peace through the United Nations (UN) are internationally acclaimed.   He acknowledged Bangladesh Armed Forces’ enduring contributions to the national security, development and nation building activities. Chief Adviser Yunus hopeful SAARC can give dividends to people of the region if revitalised At the beginning, the Chief Adviser remembered with great pride the legacy of all who laid down their lives during the War of Liberation in 1971 and sacrifices made by the people of all walks of life during the struggle. “This is a very special month, month of December.” He also paid tributes to all who sacrificed their lives and got wounded to make the July revolution possible with a dream to create a new Bangladesh.   Prof Yunus told the members of the NDC that as they look ahead, he is confident that NDC will continue to uphold its motto, security through knowledge.   To international course members, he said, “I trust you will act as goodwill ambassadors for Bangladesh in your respective countries and beyond the borders of your countries.”  

Highlighting the importance of education system's reform, Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Wednesday said the country's education system must foster creativity to create a generation of entrepreneurs in the country. "We should reform the education system in a way that it creates a generation of entrepreneurs. We need education, which helps students become creative people. Our young people must fulfil their creative potentials," the Chief Adviser said when he visited the Education Ministry at the Secretariat. He said humans are born entrepreneurs. "Yet, our education system creates job seekers. It is a flawed education system." The Chief Adviser chaired his first Cabinet meeting at the Secretariat and later visited the Education Ministry. Prof Yunus said Bangladesh should not create an education system that emphasises only test scores. "The perception that test score is everything must go," he said. The Chief Adviser also called for narrowing generational gaps in Bangladeshi society, saying the country must understand the language of the new generation—their aspirations and their thought process. "We must understand the language and the thought process of the youth. We need to know how the older generation can share their experience with the younger generation," he said. "The distance between young and old generations gets bigger; it will create troubles. We must minimise the idea gaps between generations," the chief adviser said.," the chief adviser said. He also stressed the need for fostering family values in our national curricula. Education Adviser Wahiduddin Mahmud and Education Secretary Siddiq Jobaer were present during the Chief Adviser's meeting with senior education ministry officials.    

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus has said that the tenure of the interim government will be less than four years, and their intention is to hold the election as quickly as possible. "I didn't say that I will be (in power) for four years. This is the maximum term. But that's not our intention. Our intention is to get it (hold polls) done as quickly as possible," he said while responding to a question during an interview with Qatar-based media Al Jazeera. Prof Yunus said the exact timeframe for the interim government's tenure has not been determined yet. He said the regular government is for five years and the new Constitution may say four years, probably. "It should be under four years, that's for sure. It may be less," Prof Yunus said. 27 envoys of European countries to meet Prof Yunus soon in Dhaka The chief adviser said it is all about what people and political parties want. "If political parties say forget about it (reform), give the election, we will do it," Prof Yunus said. Asked if he plans to stand for election, Yunus said, "I am not a politician. I enjoy my role and what I have been doing. In my last stage of my life, I am not going to change that." In the interview, Dr Yunus acknowledged the challenges ahead. “Bangladesh is deep in corruption because of the system that we had for the past 15 years – mismanagement, misgovernance, the destruction of our institutions,” he said, adding that rebuilding the system “point by point, sector by sector” will be a “big task”. Highlighting the important reforms before the next national elections, Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Sunday pledged that they will hold the desired elections on completion of some necessary reforms. Reforms aimed at ensuring ‘free, fair’ elections: Dr Yunus tells UK Minister “I am not sure how much opportunity we will get to implement the reform proposals. But I am giving you a word, if you give us a scope, we will hold your desired elections after completing some necessary reforms. Till then, I request you to be patient,” he said in a televised address to the nation in the evening, marking the completion of 100 days of the interim government. The Election Commission will be formed in a few days, the chief adviser said, adding that all the responsibility of organising the elections will fall on the Election Commission once it is formed. Mentioning that the question of when the elections will be held is on everyone's mind, Prof Yunus said they want to create an electoral system that will be followed for ages in the country and it will help save the country from any political crisis. “For this, I am seeking the necessary time from you. Once the decision on electoral reforms is made, you will also get the election roadmap very soon,” said the Nobel Laureate who took oath as the chief adviser on August 8.

Speaking at the international geopolitical conference, Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Saturday said they live in times marked by "challenges and complexities" globally and laid emphasis on working together to address those challenges. "We know that when we come together, when we work as one, we have the power to change the course of history. This convention is about exactly that—the power of unity, the strength of shared purpose," he said while delivering his inaugural speech at the international conference. Prof Yunus laid emphasis on building an economy where fruits of technology and economic growth are shared evenly by all people, not monopolised by the privileged few. "I am always a compulsive optimist. I always believe in the power of ideas, and power of imagination. If we can imagine together it becomes irresistible. Let's do it," he said. Prof Yunus calls for mobilising "intellectual, financial, youth power" for a new civilisation  

Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev on Thursday said his country is keen to deepen ties with Bangladesh and take the bilateral relationship to a new height, hoping that Bangladesh will grow and prosper under the leadership of Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus. "Your task is very challenging. But I know you are the one who can surmount the challenge," President Aliyev said when he met Prof Yunus on the sidelines of the COP29 global climate conference in the Azerbaijan capital Baku. He congratulated Prof Yunus for assuming the leadership of the interim government and said Bangladesh will grow and prosper under his (Prof Yunus) leadership. Prof Yunus is scheduled to return home on Thursday night, an official told UNB. The Azerbaijan President said a high-level team of the Azerbaijan government will visit Bangladesh early next year to sign a comprehensive arrangement deal with Bangladesh. He said his country is keen to invest in Bangladesh and is exploring the possibility of opening an embassy in Dhaka as both nations see increasing opportunities for trade, commerce, and international cooperation. Read: ‘Pay up or humanity will pay the price’, Guterres warns at COP29 climate summit

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Sunday said Bangladesh Navy and Air Force have once again been recognised as symbols of trust by the people of the country. He said Bangladesh Navy and Air Force have stood by the people of the country at the critical juncture of the country. The Chief Adviser inaugurated the Bangladesh ‘Navy and Air Force Selection Board-2024' at the Air Force Headquarters. In this promotion board, eligible officers holding the ranks of Captain, Commander and Lieutenant Commander of the Bangladesh Navy and Group Captain, Wing Commander and Squadron Leader of the Air Force will be considered for further promotion. Rohingya Crisis: Prof Yunus seeks urgent int’l conf to find solution Prof Yunus said the officers with honesty and principle and other leadership qualities deserve the promotion. The Chief Adviser directed to select the officers for promotion who have been successful in providing competent leadership in various activities of military life. Prof Yunus welcomed everyone in Bangladesh created by the student-people's revolution. He remembered all the martyrs with deep respect who sacrificed their lives during the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement in July-August. Prof Yunus also recalled all the brave soldiers, including the martyrs of the armed forces who participated in the great War of Independence, whose sacrifice the nation will forever remember with respect. Army Chief calls on Chief Adviser Prof Yunus The Chief Adviser instructed the members of the Selection Board to emphasise the professional skills, leadership qualities, standards of discipline, honesty, trustworthiness and loyalty and above all, suitability for employment of the officers for promotion. Upon arrival at the programme venue, the Chief Adviser was welcomed by Chief of Bangladesh Navy Admiral M Nazmul Hassan and Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan, according to the ISPR press release. The chiefs of the Navy and Air Force expressed their gratitude and thanks to the Chief Adviser for coming to inaugurate the Board despite his busy schedule. The ceremony was attended by senior officers of the Navy and Air Force, the Special Assistant to the Chief Advisor on Defense, Principal Staff Officer of the Armed Forces Division and the Defense Secretary. Prof Yunus for creating "safe zone guaranteed by UN" for displaced people in Rakhine At the end of the ceremony, the Chief Adviser participated in a photograph with the senior officers of the Navy and Air Force present and recorded his comments in the visitor’s book. He later planted a sapling in the premises of the Air Force Headquarters.  

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus has called for an “urgent attention” to the Rohingya crisis, including convening an international conference, to find a sustainable solution to the crisis and ensuring “safe and dignified” return of the Rohingya people to Myanmar. “We cannot ignore the people who continue to be persecuted, uprooted and subjected to gross violations of human rights in the Rakhine State (Myanmar) or Gaza. No person, regardless of their number or identity, is expandable,” he said in a message marking the United Nations Day being observed on October 24. Bangladesh is now hosting over 1.3 million Rohingyas in Cox’s Bazar and Bhasan Char with the new arrivals of 40,000 Rohingyas recently. United Nations Day marks the anniversary of the entry into force in 1945 of the UN Charter. With the ratification of this founding document by the majority of its signatories, including the five permanent members of the Security Council, the United Nations officially came into being. Prof Yunus seeks increased Turkish investment as Dhaka ready for business Prof Yunus called for reforming the UN to make it more inclusive, transparent and responsive to deliver to the aspirations of all people in an evolving global landscape. He said Bangladesh calls for decisive UN action to protect the civilian children, women and men; and dialogue towards securing peace in Gaza and Lebanon and the wider region. “On this Day, Bangladesh renews its commitment to work with the international community to build a more just, peaceful, and equitable world, in our 'shared interests'. Together, we must redeem our pledge to realize dignity and rights for everyone,” said the Nobel laureate who is heading the interim government of Bangladesh. On this United Nations Day, on behalf of the people of Bangladesh, he extended their cordial felicitations to all women and men of the United Nations family the world over and reaffirmed their commitment to the ideals of the UN Charter. For eight decades now, Prof Yunus said, the United Nations has been fostering peace, safeguarding human rights, and promoting sustainable development. Govt committed to identifying , solving children's issues for their healthy growth: Prof Yunus In a time marked by unprecedented challenges-- climate change, conflicts, inequalities -- the delivering on the UN's mandate is more critical than ever. “Emerging issues like responsible use of AI as also ensuring beneficial access to technologies across nations, call for enhanced role of the UN system in ensuring peace, stability and harmony, for all,” he said. Prof Yunus said Bangladesh draws satisfaction over its active partnership with the UN system, particularly as the third largest contributor to the UN peacekeeping operations. “Our commitment to peace, justice, and equality remains rooted in our national ethos, as seen in our people's ongoing quest for justice, most recently demonstrated in the People's Revolution led by our students and youth,” he said. As a people, Prof Yunus said, they remain firmly committed to multilateralism. “Be it sustainable development or trade or addressing the climate crisis, vulnerable countries like Bangladesh and the global South need a rule-based multilateral system,” he added.  

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus congratulated Nihon Hidankyo, the Japanese atomic bomb survivors' group, on its winning of the Nobel Peace Prize for 2024. "Congratulations to Nihon Hidankyo on being awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for 2024. Your unwavering commitment to nuclear disarmament and peace is an inspiration to us all," Prof Yunus said in a message. Prof Yunus, also Nobel Peace Laureate, said: "Your advocacy and tireless efforts to ensure that the horrors of Hiroshima and Nagasaki are never forgotten resonate deeply in our quest for a safer world". Nobel Peace Prize awarded to Japanese organization of atomic bombing survivors Nihon Hidankyo "Thank you for your courage and dedication. Warmest congratulations once again," the message read. Nihon Hidankyo has been awarded the 2024 Nobel Peace Prize for its dedication to creating a world free from nuclear weapons.    

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus's press wing has clarified that his recent remarks on "pressing the reset button" in an interview with Voice of America is being misinterpreted by some people.  "He (Prof Yunus) did not mean wiping out Bangladesh's proud history," chief adviser's press wing said in a statement on Thursday. When the Chief Adviser Prof Yunus spoke about pressing the reset button, he meant making a new start from corrupt politics, which destroyed all Bangladesh's key institutions, pushed the economy to the brink of collapse and robbed the rights to vote and civil liberties of tens of millions of people, said the press wing. Dr Yunus praises Russian cooperation in power, energy sectors "When you press the reset button, you reset the software to start all over again. It doesn’t change the hardware. The 1971 Liberation War created the hardware of Bangladesh," said the statement. When he arrived in Dhaka on August 8 to take over as the chief adviser of the interim government, Prof Yunus told reporters at the Hazrat Shahjalal Airport that July-August student-led mass uprising was their "Second Liberation" -- the first liberation being the country's glorious war of independence in 1971. Prof Yunus was an assistant professor at Middle Tennessee State University when the independence of Bangladesh was proclaimed. Dr Yunus among world's most influential Muslims in 2024 "He formed the Bangladesh Citizens Committee immediately after the independence of Bangladesh was announced and launched a US-wide campaign to persuade the US government to recognize Bangladesh," the statement reads. Prof Yunus published  the Bangladesh Newsletter to inform the world about the genocide in Bangladesh perpetrated by the Pakistani army, according to the press wing statement.