United News of Bangladesh

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus continued to engage extensively with global leaders with diverse meetings during the ongping 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), highlighting Bangladesh’s vision for inclusive growth, sustainable development and global solidarity. During his engagements on the sidelines of the UNGA, the urgency of addressing pressing global challenges, from climate change to poverty alleviation, achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) addressing funding gaps, while also bringing the Rohingya situation to the global attention and advocating for human dignity and peace came up in a big way. Prof Yunus calls for smarter financing to close $4 trillion SDG gap with five priorities His presence at the UNGA offered an opportunity to amplify Bangladesh’s voice on the international stage and to emphasise the importance of collaborative, people-centered solutions, officials told UNB. He attended the opening segment of an event titled 'First Biennial Summit for a Sustainable, Inclusive and Resilient Global Economy: Implementing Commitments on Financing the Sustainable Development Goals' in UN headquarters on Wednesday. Prof Yunus held a meeting with President of Finland Alexander Stubb on the sidelines of the UNGA, Chief Adviser’s Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder told UNB. The Chief Adviser also held a seperate meeting with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni at a hotel in New York same day. UN budget cuts, shrinking ODA to be 'counterproductive' for Bangladesh: Prof Yunus Prof Yunus attended a high-level working session titled 'Transforming Primary Healthcare-Bangladesh’s Blueprint' on the sidelines. The Chief Adviser 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). The Chief Adviser also met UN Secretary-General António Guterres at the reception hosted by US president Donald Trump.

Commerce Adviser Sheikh Bashiruddin has said that the investment environment in Bangladesh is better than ever, as the country actively seeks to attract greater foreign investment, including from Italy. He made the remarks during a meeting with Italian Ambassador to Bangladesh Antonio Alessandre on Wednesday afternoon at the Secretariat. The meeting focused on expanding bilateral trade, investment, and economic cooperation between Bangladesh and Italy. Expressing interest in further strengthening Bangladesh's trade relations with Italy, he said Bangladesh is now more prepared than ever to welcome foreign investors, and the Ministry of Commerce will provide full support to Italian businesses looking to invest here.” In response, Ambassador Alessandre reaffirmed Italy’s interest in deepening economic ties. He expressed Italy’s willingness to encourage investment and technology transfer, particularly in the small and medium enterprise (SME) sector, where cooperation could be mutually beneficial. Md. Abdur Rahim Khan, additional secretary (Export) of the Ministry of Commerce, and Federico Zamparelli, deputy head of Mission at the Italian Embassy, were also present.

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Wednesday said the United Nations (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. "Global support must expand," he said while speaking at the "First Biennial Summit for a Sustainable, Inclusive and Resilient Global Economy: Implementing Commitments on Financing the Sustainable Development Goals" on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly. The UN General Assembly will hold the high-level plenary meeting to address the crisis facing Rohingya Muslims and other minorities in Myanmar. Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus will attend the meeting on September 30 that aims to sustain international attention, review the situation on the ground, and propose a concrete, time-bound plan for a sustainable resolution, including efforts to ensure the voluntary, safe and dignified return of displaced communities. The Chief Adviser, who is attending the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), has recently placed seven-point proposals, seeking collective efforts for charting a practical roadmap for the speedy, safe, dignified, voluntary and sustainable return of the Rohingyas to their homes in Rakhine as soon as possible. Prof Yunus calls for smarter financing to close $4 trillion SDG gap with five priorities "We must not be held hostage to mere rhetoric. The time for action is now," he said while speaking at the ‘Stakeholders Dialogue’ in Cox’s Bazar. Prof Yunus said it is not only the responsibility of Bangladesh but also of the international community to share the burden of the Rohingya crisis, to reflect on the possible solutions and to play an active role in implementing them. He said the Rohingya issue and its sustainable resolution must be kept alive on the global agenda as they need support until they return home.

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.