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Bangladesh Seeks UN Support to Recover Stolen Assets
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16 Oct 2024, 09:28
Photo: Collected
Bangladesh has requested the United Nations’ assistance in recovering assets smuggled abroad. The country also called for technological and policy support to implement ongoing reform initiatives effectively.
The matter was discussed on October 15 during a bilateral meeting at the UN Headquarters in New York between Bangladesh's Foreign Secretary, Ambassador Md. Jasim Uddin, and UN Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs, Li Junhua.
According to a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, recovering smuggled assets is a top priority for the government. The foreign secretary urged the UN to assist in curbing tax evasion and illicit financial flows.
The foreign secretary briefed the UN official on Bangladesh’s reform programs aligned with the aspirations of the “July-August Revolution.” He emphasized the need for UN support, particularly in ensuring accountability and transparency, drawing on the five decades of cooperation between Bangladesh and the UN.
He also stressed the importance of international support as Bangladesh transitions from LDC status and faces challenges in achieving the SDGs amid the global economic slowdown caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing conflicts.
Under-Secretary-General Li Junhua praised Bangladesh's leadership of the UN General Assembly’s Second Committee and assured full support from the UN Secretariat. He noted that the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs could assist Bangladesh in its reform efforts, particularly by enhancing institutional capacity and digital management.
Li highlighted that the transition from LDC status marks a new beginning and emphasized the need to maintain preferential support for countries graduating from LDCs. He also underscored the importance of the upcoming Fourth International Conference in Spain in 2025, which will focus on innovative financing, sustainable debt management, and reforms to global financial institutions to bolster development efforts.
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Dr Yunus to Address in UNGA on September 27: Foreign Advisor
The Chief Advisor of the Interim Government Dr. Muhammad Yunus is going to New York on September 24 to attend the 79th United Nations General Assembly session. He will address the General Assembly on September 27.
Foreign Advisor Touhid Hossain revealed this information in a press conference on Saturday (September 21) about the Chief Advisor's participation in the United Nations General Assembly session.
Generally during the period of political government, the head of the government has a large entourage during the session of the General Assembly. But Dr. Yunus' interim government will be an exception in this regard. A delegation of 57 people from Bangladesh including Chief Advisor and Protocol will go to New York next Tuesday (September 24). The Chief Advisor will leave New York for Dhaka on September 27 night after completing the tour.
It is known that according to the local time of New York, on the morning of September 27, Dr. Yunus will give a scheduled speech at the United Nations General Assembly. The Chief Advisor's speech will reflect the vision of the people and government of Bangladesh after the political upheaval in Bangladesh on August 5. The chief advisor will tell the international community how Bangladesh will present itself in the world as a proud and dignified nation, especially in changing circumstances. Referring to the country's future aspirations, he will rise above geopolitics and call upon the international community to join hands with Bangladesh.
Meanwhile, on the evening of September 24, on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of Bangladesh's membership in the United Nations, the Chief Advisor of the Interim Government Dr. Muhammad Yunus will speak as the chief guest.
The Permanent Mission of Bangladesh in New York has invited the heads of delegations of various countries to participate in the UN session. Bangladesh Mission expects the heads of government of 50 countries or their representatives to attend the event.
Meanwhile, according to diplomatic sources, on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly session held in New York, Dr. Yunus has a courtesy call with the top leaders of several countries.
The list includes Pakistan Prime Minister Mohammad Shehbaz Sharif, Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu, Netherlands Prime Minister Dick Schoff, Bahrain Crown Prince and Prime Minister Salman bin Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and World Bank President Ajay Banga.
Besides, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk, UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi, and heads of several UN organizations will meet with the Chief Advisor of the Interim Government of Bangladesh.
Dr. Yunus Meets Trudeau to Strengthen Bilateral Ties and Youth Support
Bangladesh Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus met Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly meeting on Tuesday.
During their brief meeting, the two leaders discussed strengthening Bangladesh-Canada relations, advancing freedom, building institutions, and supporting the youth of Bangladesh.
Professor Yunus presented The Art of Triumph, an art book featuring murals painted by students and young people during and after the Revolution, to the Canadian Prime Minister.
Trudeau commended Professor Yunus for taking on his leadership role and expressed Canada's willingness to support institution-building in Bangladesh.
The Chief Adviser outlined how the previous regime had undermined the country’s institutions and expressed gratitude to Canada for its continued friendship and support for the interim government.
He also requested Canada to grant more visas to Bangladeshi students.
Professor Yunus began his UN engagements with a reception hosted by UN Secretary-General António Guterres. He met with prominent world leaders at the event and attended the inaugural session of the UNGA.
Later, he will hold a rare one-on-one meeting with U.S. President Joe Biden, meet with the IMF Managing Director and the Italian Prime Minister, and will also speak at the Clinton Global Initiative and Friends of Bangladesh.
10 Banks Agree to Lend to Weak Banks
Ten banks have agreed to provide loans to banks weakened by financial irregularities. Bangladesh Bank will guarantee or provide security for these loans.
This decision was made in a meeting on Wednesday (September 25) with the Governor of the central bank, Dr. Ahsan H. Mansur.
Among the 10 banks agreeing to provide loans are the state-owned Sonali Bank and private banks such as BRAC, Eastern, The City, Shahjalal Islami, Mutual Trust, Pubali, Dhaka, Dutch-Bangla, and Bank Asia.
Regarding the matter, Bangladesh Bank’s spokesperson and Executive Director Husne Ara Shikha informed reporters that if the lending banks request their loaned money back, Bangladesh Bank will repay them within three days. No bank will be allowed to take any extra funds for providing these loans.
She added that Bangladesh Bank will determine how much liquidity support each weak bank will receive, while the interest rates will be agreed upon between the two banks.
The managing directors (MDs) or representatives of these banks attended the meeting with the Governor.
Additionally, five banks have already signed agreements with Bangladesh Bank to receive liquidity support. These are National, Social Islami, First Security Islami, Union, and Global Islami banks from the private sector.
What Dr. Yunus Said About Sheikh Hasina's Trial
Dr. Muhammad Yunus, the Chief Advisor of the Interim Government, has stated that Sheikh Hasina should be brought back to the country and put on trial.
He made this comment on Wednesday, September 25, in response to a question from journalists at an event in New York, USA.
Dr. Yunus is currently in the United States to attend the United Nations General Assembly session.
Regarding the election in Bangladesh, the Chief Advisor said he does not have a timeline for when it will be held. He expects that the commissions formed will provide reform recommendations in the coming months, after which an election date will be set.
When asked if Sheikh Hasina would be brought back from India, Dr. Yunus responded, "Why not?" He added that if she has committed a crime, she should be brought back and face trial.
Dr. Yunus also mentioned that he has no plans to run in the election. He countered with a question, "Do I look like someone who would run in an election?"
On Wednesday, Dr. Yunus attended the "Climate Forward" summit organized by the American media outlet The New York Times in New York. At the summit, he stated that as long as the world remains stuck in the current economic system, the Paris Agreement on climate change will not be effective.
The Paris Agreement was made with the goal of limiting the impact of climate change and became effective globally in 2016.
Dr Yunus to Address 79th UNGA Session Today
Interim government chief advisor Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus will address the 79th United Nations General Assembly session.
According to the chief adviser's press wing, Yunus will address the general debate of the UNGA session between 8:00 pm and 9:30 pm (Bangladesh Standard Time) and at 10 am local time in New York.
The Nobel laureate will deliver his speech in Bangla. Bangladesh Television (BTV) will telecast live. He will deliver this speech at the General Assembly Hall of the United Nations headquarters.
In his speech at the General Assembly Hall of the UN Headquarters in New York, Prof Yunus is expected to highlight the context of the anti-discrimination student movement and the revolutionary changes brought in Bangladesh through the movement.
He will focus on how he took responsibility for his interim government, its reform agendas to rebuild the state structure in the changing scenario, the Rohingya crisis, climate change, inclusive economic development, and other global and regional issues.
At the same time, he will inform the people of the world about the help of the people of the world in the formation of a new Bangladesh after the revolution of the students, opening a new possibility of radical transformation of the existing state structure and institutions.
Apart from this, the way the people of Bangladesh stood firmly against dictatorship, oppression, discrimination, injustice, and corruption on the streets and social media will also be described by Dr. Muhammad Yunus.
In the speech, the Chief Advisor will also highlight the details of the incredible mass uprising that happened in Bangladesh in the last two months and his conviction to build a state system that is people-oriented, welfare-oriented, and dedicated to public interest in the coming days.
The theme of the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly is 'Leaving no one behind: working together to advance peace, sustainable development, and human dignity for present and future generations'.
Earlier, on Monday (September 23) morning, Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus left Dhaka for New York to attend the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly with the smallest delegation (of 57 members) of the interim government. Later on Tuesday (September 24) he reached there.
If all goes well, the Chief Advisor will leave for Dhaka on Friday (September 27).
By the way, this is Dr. Yunus's first foreign visit as the main advisor. During this visit, he met with US President Joe Biden, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, and several heads of government and heads of various organizations.
Dr. Yunus's Full Speech at the 79th UNGA
Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus, Chief Adviser of the Interim Government, delivered a speech in Bengali at the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly.
He began his address at 11:24 AM local time in New York on Friday, September 27, at the General Assembly Hall of the UN Headquarters.
Here is the full account of his speech, which lasted approximately 38 minutes:
Mr. President,
Good morning.
Let me congratulate you on your election as the President of the United Nations General Assembly. I would like to assure you of Bangladesh delegation’s full cooperation throughout the Session.
I would also place on record our deep appreciation to the Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, for his unwavering commitment to deliver on the UN mandates and address the global challenges.
I particularly applaud his vision in convening the Summit of the Future.
The Pact for the Future and the Declaration on Future Generations could help in setting pathways beyond Agenda 2030. Bangladesh believes that the Summit’s outcome will serve as a guiding framework in materializing our shared aspirations and re-thinking collaboration, for posterity.
I stand in this parliament of nations thanks to an epochal transformation that Bangladesh witnessed this July and August. The 'power of the ordinary people', in particular our youth, presented to our nation an opportunity to overhaul many of our systems and institutions.
The uprising led by the students and youth was intiailly aimed at ending discrimination. Progressivly the movement evolved into a people’s movement. The world eventually saw how people-at-large stood against autocracy, oppression, discrimination, injustice and corruption, both on the streets and online.
Our people, particularly youth, gained us independence from an autocratic and undemocratic regime with their exceptional resolve and capability. That collective resolve should define Bangladesh of the future and place our nation as a responsive and responsible State in the comity of nations.
This was indeed a movement that primarily brought together people who were long left in politics and development. Who asked ‘prosperity’ to be shared, to be inclusive. The people aspired for a just, inclusive and functioning democracy for which our new generations made supreme sacrifice.
We were moved by the wisdom, courage and conviction our youth showed.
Even braving bullets, bare chest.
Young boys and girls were fiercely vocal against the illegitimate State power.
School-going teenagers laid down their lives.
Hundreds lost their eyes, forever.
Mothers, day labourers and scores of people across cities lent their shoulders, for “their children”.
Defying sweat, rain and fear of death, they defeated all the evil designs and machinations of the few who manipulated the State machinery against truth and just aspirations of people for years.
The people’s movement left an estimated over eight hundred martyrs in the hands of the autocratic regime.
Bangladesh was born because of her people’s profound belief in liberalism, pluralism, secularism. Decades later, our ‘Generation Z’ is making us re-visit and re-imagine the very values that our people Bangladesh stood for back in 1971. As our people also did in 1952, to defend our mother language, Bangla.
We believe, the ‘monsoon revolution’ that the world witnessed in Bangladesh in the span of few weeks, may inspire many across communities and countries, to stand for freedom and justice. I would call upon the international community to engage with ‘new Bangladesh’ anew that aims to realize freedom and democracy, beyond letters, for everyone.
Mr. President,
Our youth and people together entrusted me and my colleagues in the Council with enormous responsibilities to re-construct a decaying State apparatus.
As we took to the office, to our utter shock and dismay, we discovered how endemic corruption a ‘functioning democracy’ was brought to farce, how key institutions were ruthlessly politicised, how public coffers were reduced to rubble, how oligarchs took over business, how ‘chosen few’ concentrated wealth in their hands and amassed and laundered wealth out of Bangladesh. In all, justice, ethics and morality, almost at every level, reached a low.
Under such circumstances, we were asked to re-build Bangladesh and give back the country to the people. To correct the ills of the past as also build a competitive and agile economy, and a just society.
In a drastically changed scenario, all political parties are now free to voice their views and opinions.
A key priority for us is also to make all in public positions and institutions to account for their decisions and actions.
We are committed to promote and protect the fundamental rights – for people to speak in freedom, to assemble without fear or inhibition, to vote whosoever they choose, to uphold the independence of the judiciary and freedom of press, including in the cyber domain.
In order to ensure that child of a farmer or worker can scale the highest in the society, we prioritise allocation in education and health sectors over grandiose infrastructure development.
We also aim at ensuring good governance, across all sectors.
I wish to assure that our government shall adhere to all international, regional and bilateral instruments that Bangladesh is party to. Bangladesh will continue to remain an active proponent of multilateralism, with the UN at the core.
Bangladesh is open to nurture friendly relations with all countries based on mutual respect, upholding our dignity and pride and shared interests.
Mr. President,
In just seven weeks, the Government has initiated several actions.
At our request, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights has dispatched a Fact-Finding Mission to investigate into the gross human rights violations during the people’s movement and to suggest for sustainable course correction. That Mission has already started work on the ground in Bangladesh. I wish to register my deep appreciation to High Commissioner Volker Turk.
We have acceded to the International Convention for Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance, within two weeks in office. The required national legislation is underway so that we can effectuate its early implemenation. An Inquiry Commission has started investigating into all the cases of enforced disappearances reported during the past decade and a half.
In order to restore people’s trust and confidence, and to ensure that the tragic past never recur in future Bangladesh, we have intitiated reforms in certain prioritized sectors. In that direction, we formed independent Commissions to reform electoral system, constitution, judicial system, civil administration, law and order sectors . A few more Commissions are on the cards to reform other sectors, including press and media.
In order to create a conducive environment for business, we have rolled out extensive reforms in banking and financial sectors. We affirm not to let any foreign business interest to be affected.
Beyond rhetoric and numbers, we aim to establish effective safeguard mechanisms to ensure the sustainability of these reforms and create an enabling environment towards conduct of free, fair and participatory elections.
I would, therefore, call on the international community to continue and deepen engagements with Bangladesh in meeting our people’s quest for democracy, rule of law, equality, prosperity, so that we can emerge as a just and inclusive democratic society.
Mr. President,
Bangladesh views that maintaining peace and addressing conflicts is central to peoples’ progress. During the recent Revolution, our valiant armed forces have once again shown their commitment to peace by standing firmly with the people in fulfilling their aspirations for freedom during a most difficult time in our history.
This was possible thanks to our commitment to place human rights at the core of peacekeeping. Bangladesh remains equally committed to peace-building, from the inception of the UN Peace-building Commission. We look forward to promoting and enhancing Bangladesh’s value-driven contributions to the UN peace-keeping operations.
As the third largest troop contributing country, our peacekeepers had served across 63 Missions in 43 countries, to date. 168 Bangladeshi peacekeepers had laid their lives, from Bosnia to Congo. We do hope that Bangladesh defense forces would continue to be called upon in the future UN peace operations, regardless of the challenges or circumstances.
Mr. President,
In our ‘shared’ world, many of the global priorities need to be set right.
Climate change poses existential threats to us all. The record-breaking heat wave this summer starkly reminded the world of the climate-induced changes.
What we need is climate justice – so that the irresponsible choices or, indifferent actions or, harms caused are accounted for. Long-term damages leave irreparable damages all-around: we are losing bio-diversity; changing pathogens leading to newer diseases; farming is under stress; shrinking water wealth threatening habitat; rising sea level and salinity decimating eco-systems. The damages in terms of rising intensity and frequency of cyclones or floods can hardly be ignored. The climatic risks are faced far deeper by our small farmers and artisanal livelihood-holders. As I speak, over five million people witnessed a most devastating flood in their living memory, in eastern Bangladesh.
Yet, Secretary General Guterres showed that under the “current trajectory”, the world is heading for a +2.7°C scenario. I would hence urge for channeling robust resources for climate adaptation in the climate-vulnerable countries like Bangladesh. It is moreover crucial to operationlize Loss and Damge Fund by leveraging innovative solutions and additional finance.
We equally need access to technologies and increased capacity. To be specific, we need access to live-saving technologies, particularly in agriculture, water or public health, where trickle of modest solutions or innovations can save millions of vulnerable population.
Tackling climate crisis has to go hand in hand with getting global economy in order as well. The world is increasingly focussed on de-carbonisation. In order for such a shift to be beneficial to majority of global population, the transformative vision of a NetZero world has to redeem for countries like Bangladesh as well. Else, we risk falling short on our pledge to ‘shared prosperity’ through ‘shared responsibility’.
I believe, the world needs to engage on a shared vision of ‘three zeroes’ that we can materialize together, targeting zero poverty, zero unemployment, and, zero net carbon emissions. Where a young person anywhere in the world will have opportunities to grow not as a job seeker but as entrepreneur; where a young person can unleash his or her latent creativity despite all limitations; where an entrepreneur can optimally balance social benefits, economic profits and responsibility towards nature; where social business can help an individual transcend beyond consumerism and can ultiumately catalyse in social and economic transformation.
Time demands new attitudes, new values, new compact(s), across communities and countries, across developed and developing countries alike, across all actors and stakeholders. If we are to realize such course correction, in full, the United Nations system, national and sub-national governments, non-governmental organizations, business, philanthropies have to walk together. If we accept and accommodate ‘social business’ within existing economic structures, we can bring meaningful changes in the lives of the bottom half of population, in every society. If we can realistically position social business, we can stem much of climate-insenstive distortions within the existing market economy.I would like to invite the attention of Secretary General, Antonio Guterres, on that score.
Mr. President,
In a world of poly-crisis, wars and conflicts are leading to erosion of rights and widespread abuses.
The genocide in Gaza continues unabated despite global concerns and condemnation. The situation in Palestine just does not concern the Arabs or Muslims at large rather the entire humanity. Palestinians are no expendable people. All those responsible for the crimes against humanity against the Palestinian people must be held accountable. Bangladesh calls for an immediate and complete ceasefire to protect the Palestinian people from the brutalities, particularly against the children and women. International community, including the UN, needs to act in earnest to implement the two-state solution that remains the only path to bring lasting peace in the Middle-East.
The two and half year long war in Ukraine has claimed far too many lives. The war has impacted far and wide, even lending deeper economic implications in Bangladesh. We would urge both sides to pursue dialogue to resolve the differences and end the war.
Mr. President,
Seven years on, Bangladesh has been hosting over 1.2 million Rohingyas on humanitarian ground, incurring significant social-economic-environmental costs. The protracted crisis in Myanmar also pose growing risks with national and regional security implications for Bangladesh, both traditional and non-traditional security challenges.
We remain committed to supporting the forcibly displaced Rohingyas from Myanmar in Bangladesh. We need continued support of the international community towards the Rohingyas in carrying out the humanitarian operations and their sustainable repatriation.
Equally important is to ensure justice for the grave human rights violations committed against the Rohingyas, through the ongoing accountability processes in the ICJ and the ICC.
We recognize and appreciate the efforts of the Secretary General and the United Nations system in creating a conducive environment for Rohingyas so that they can lead a free and dignified life. That requires creating pathways for the Rohingyas to return to their ancestral home in Rakhine State, with safety and rights. Looking at the evolving ground situation in Myanmar, Bangladesh is ready to work with the international community to create an environment for dignified and sustainable return of the Rohingyas to their homeland.
Mr. President,
Ensuring peace and security cannot succeed without political freedom and socio-economic emancipation of the people.
Around a decade back, the world unanimously adopted the Agenda 2030. We reposed our collective hope and trust in the universal set of goals. Yet, merely 17% of SDG targets are on track to be achieved by 2030. Clearly, many developing countries risk to be left behind.
Every year, developing countries face a significant SDG financing gap, estimated between 2.5 to 4 trillion US dollars. High debt burdens, shrinking fiscal space, and adverse impacts of climate change put countries like Bangladesh at greater risk. We look forward to the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development to deliver on addressing the complex and systemic challenges. The multilateral financing institutions have to be driven by a vision where wealth and opportunities can be accessed by all, that they rightfully place social business within respective programmes, that they duly address the circumstances in the low-income countries, that they promote entrepreneurship and encourage creativity of individuals, that they support the dispossessed.
In this regard, prevention of illicit financial flows and siphoning of resources from the developing countries merit greater attention. Increased international cooperation must re-channel the assets stolen from the developing countries. We look forward to early conclusion of an international tax Convention that can combat tax evasion.
Mr. President,
Migration and mobility is an inescapable reality in an inter-connected world. As a country of origin of migrants, over eleven million of our people live and work worldwide.
In order for migration to be beneficial for all, we have to create pathways for safe, orderly, regular, and responsible migration and mobility of people. The international community has to ensure full respect for human rights and the humane treatment of migrants, regardless of their migration status.
While Bangladesh remains committed to the full implementation of the Global Compact on Migration, our government is also committed to curve unsafe migration.
Mr. President,
Every year, nearly two and half million Bangladeshis enter our labour market.
In a large population where nearly two-third is young, Bangladesh is challenged to make learning suited to meet the needs of today and tomorrow.
Yet, we see the world of work is changing where a younger person has to adapt constantly, re-skill, adopt newer attitudes. As Bangladesh is set to graduate as a Middle Income Country, we reckon the vital need to secure ourselves in terms of ‘learning’ and ‘technology’.
We are particularly enthused with emergence of the Artificial Intelligence tools and applications. Our youth are excited with the prospect of fast unfolding generative AI. They aspire to walk and work as global citizens. The world needs to ensure that no youth in countries like Bangladesh get left behind in meaningfully reaping benefits out the AI-led transformation. The world simualtenouly needs to ensure that the development of artificial intelligence does not diminish the scope or demand for human labour.
As the the scientific community and the world of technology keeps moving on developing ‘autonomous intelligence’ – artificial intelligence that propagates on its own without any human intervention – we all need to be cautious of possible impact on every human person or our societies, today and beyond. Many have reasons to believe that unless autonomous intelligence develops in a responsible manner, it can pose existential threats to human existence.
Mr. President,
We need newer forms of collaboration where global business and knowledge-holders connect to people’s needs. International cooperation should create space for the developing countries in ways that can bring transformative applications or solutions for jobs, endemic socio-economic challenges, or livelihoods.
Uniting our efforts, capacities and resources is increasingly crucial for us to leverage collective strengths, innovate and foster growth. The challenges we face – in economic development, climate resilience, or social development – have to be addressed with common endeavours.
In that context, South-South and Triangular cooperation can help us given our unique social and economic circumstances.
It is also a growing necessity for the global South to make our voices heard. In shaping and steering the global agenda, the global South merits equal space and focus.
Mr. President,
The Covid times underlined before us the crucial importance of investing in public health.
In WHO, as Bangladesh leads the negotiations on a global Pandemic Treaty, we urge for convergence on the key provisions of adequate international cooperation, financing public health systems, technology transfer, research and development, diversification of production of medical diagnostics-vaccines-therapeutics. Also, to declare vaccines a ‘global public good’ that is free from the rigours of intellectual property.
These are also crucial for combatting the scourge of non-communicable diseases.
Mr. President,
This year, we celebrate the golden jubilee of Bangladesh’s partnership with the United Nations.
It has been a shared journey, of mutual learning. In our modest ways, Bangladesh contributed towards promoting global peace and security, justice, equality, human rights, social progress and prosperity. And, indeed in building a rules-based international order.
For instance, I recall the Microcredit Resolution and the Friends of Microcredit that was formed in the UN General Assembly back in 1999, with exceeding spontaneity. The United Nations declared 2005 as the Year of Microcredit that resulted in global reach of microcredit. The annual General Assembly Resolution on Culture of Peace since 2001 or the Resolution 1325 in the Security Council on Women, Peace and Security may be worth recalling as well.
Mr. President,
As this great Hall reverberates with crying call for peace, security, justice, inclusivity and equitable distribution of wealth, as States, we need to reflect on how we embolden men and women today, create space for them to grow as entrepreneurs tomorrow.
The world has more than enough of capacity, resources and solutions. Let us redeem all the pledges we made, nationally or internationally. Let us work together to end all forms of inequality and discrimination, within and among nations, especially in advancing the proposition of social business in our economic interactions.
The youth in Bangladesh have showed that upholding freedom, dignity and rights of people regardless of distinction and status cannot just remain aspirational. It is just what everyone deserves.
In this assembly of nations, Bangladesh would assure that we would and continue to deliver our bit, at international, regional and national levels, in securing peace, prosperity and justice, for everyone.
I thank you for your attention.
Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus, Chief Adviser of the Interim Government, delivered a speech in Bengali at the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly.
He began his address at 11:24 AM local time in New York on Friday, September 27, at the General Assembly Hall of the UN Headquarters.
Here is the full account of his speech, which lasted approximately 38 minutes:
Mr. President,
Good morning.
Let me congratulate you on your election as the President of the United Nations General Assembly. I would like to assure you of Bangladesh delegation’s full cooperation throughout the Session.
I would also place on record our deep appreciation to the Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, for his unwavering commitment to deliver on the UN mandates and address the global challenges.
I particularly applaud his vision in convening the Summit of the Future.
The Pact for the Future and the Declaration on Future Generations could help in setting pathways beyond Agenda 2030. Bangladesh believes that the Summit’s outcome will serve as a guiding framework in materializing our shared aspirations and re-thinking collaboration, for posterity.
I stand in this parliament of nations thanks to an epochal transformation that Bangladesh witnessed this July and August. The 'power of the ordinary people', in particular our youth, presented to our nation an opportunity to overhaul many of our systems and institutions.
The uprising led by the students and youth was intiailly aimed at ending discrimination. Progressivly the movement evolved into a people’s movement. The world eventually saw how people-at-large stood against autocracy, oppression, discrimination, injustice and corruption, both on the streets and online.
Our people, particularly youth, gained us independence from an autocratic and undemocratic regime with their exceptional resolve and capability. That collective resolve should define Bangladesh of the future and place our nation as a responsive and responsible State in the comity of nations.
This was indeed a movement that primarily brought together people who were long left in politics and development. Who asked ‘prosperity’ to be shared, to be inclusive. The people aspired for a just, inclusive and functioning democracy for which our new generations made supreme sacrifice.
We were moved by the wisdom, courage and conviction our youth showed.
Even braving bullets, bare chest.
Young boys and girls were fiercely vocal against the illegitimate State power.
School-going teenagers laid down their lives.
Hundreds lost their eyes, forever.
Mothers, day labourers and scores of people across cities lent their shoulders, for “their children”.
Defying sweat, rain and fear of death, they defeated all the evil designs and machinations of the few who manipulated the State machinery against truth and just aspirations of people for years.
The people’s movement left an estimated over eight hundred martyrs in the hands of the autocratic regime.
Bangladesh was born because of her people’s profound belief in liberalism, pluralism, secularism. Decades later, our ‘Generation Z’ is making us re-visit and re-imagine the very values that our people Bangladesh stood for back in 1971. As our people also did in 1952, to defend our mother language, Bangla.
We believe, the ‘monsoon revolution’ that the world witnessed in Bangladesh in the span of few weeks, may inspire many across communities and countries, to stand for freedom and justice. I would call upon the international community to engage with ‘new Bangladesh’ anew that aims to realize freedom and democracy, beyond letters, for everyone.
Mr. President,
Our youth and people together entrusted me and my colleagues in the Council with enormous responsibilities to re-construct a decaying State apparatus.
As we took to the office, to our utter shock and dismay, we discovered how endemic corruption a ‘functioning democracy’ was brought to farce, how key institutions were ruthlessly politicised, how public coffers were reduced to rubble, how oligarchs took over business, how ‘chosen few’ concentrated wealth in their hands and amassed and laundered wealth out of Bangladesh. In all, justice, ethics and morality, almost at every level, reached a low.
Under such circumstances, we were asked to re-build Bangladesh and give back the country to the people. To correct the ills of the past as also build a competitive and agile economy, and a just society.
In a drastically changed scenario, all political parties are now free to voice their views and opinions.
A key priority for us is also to make all in public positions and institutions to account for their decisions and actions.
We are committed to promote and protect the fundamental rights – for people to speak in freedom, to assemble without fear or inhibition, to vote whosoever they choose, to uphold the independence of the judiciary and freedom of press, including in the cyber domain.
In order to ensure that child of a farmer or worker can scale the highest in the society, we prioritise allocation in education and health sectors over grandiose infrastructure development.
We also aim at ensuring good governance, across all sectors.
I wish to assure that our government shall adhere to all international, regional and bilateral instruments that Bangladesh is party to. Bangladesh will continue to remain an active proponent of multilateralism, with the UN at the core.
Bangladesh is open to nurture friendly relations with all countries based on mutual respect, upholding our dignity and pride and shared interests.
Mr. President,
In just seven weeks, the Government has initiated several actions.
At our request, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights has dispatched a Fact-Finding Mission to investigate into the gross human rights violations during the people’s movement and to suggest for sustainable course correction. That Mission has already started work on the ground in Bangladesh. I wish to register my deep appreciation to High Commissioner Volker Turk.
We have acceded to the International Convention for Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance, within two weeks in office. The required national legislation is underway so that we can effectuate its early implemenation. An Inquiry Commission has started investigating into all the cases of enforced disappearances reported during the past decade and a half.
In order to restore people’s trust and confidence, and to ensure that the tragic past never recur in future Bangladesh, we have intitiated reforms in certain prioritized sectors. In that direction, we formed independent Commissions to reform electoral system, constitution, judicial system, civil administration, law and order sectors . A few more Commissions are on the cards to reform other sectors, including press and media.
In order to create a conducive environment for business, we have rolled out extensive reforms in banking and financial sectors. We affirm not to let any foreign business interest to be affected.
Beyond rhetoric and numbers, we aim to establish effective safeguard mechanisms to ensure the sustainability of these reforms and create an enabling environment towards conduct of free, fair and participatory elections.
I would, therefore, call on the international community to continue and deepen engagements with Bangladesh in meeting our people’s quest for democracy, rule of law, equality, prosperity, so that we can emerge as a just and inclusive democratic society.
Mr. President,
Bangladesh views that maintaining peace and addressing conflicts is central to peoples’ progress. During the recent Revolution, our valiant armed forces have once again shown their commitment to peace by standing firmly with the people in fulfilling their aspirations for freedom during a most difficult time in our history.
This was possible thanks to our commitment to place human rights at the core of peacekeeping. Bangladesh remains equally committed to peace-building, from the inception of the UN Peace-building Commission. We look forward to promoting and enhancing Bangladesh’s value-driven contributions to the UN peace-keeping operations.
As the third largest troop contributing country, our peacekeepers had served across 63 Missions in 43 countries, to date. 168 Bangladeshi peacekeepers had laid their lives, from Bosnia to Congo. We do hope that Bangladesh defense forces would continue to be called upon in the future UN peace operations, regardless of the challenges or circumstances.
Mr. President,
In our ‘shared’ world, many of the global priorities need to be set right.
Climate change poses existential threats to us all. The record-breaking heat wave this summer starkly reminded the world of the climate-induced changes.
What we need is climate justice – so that the irresponsible choices or, indifferent actions or, harms caused are accounted for. Long-term damages leave irreparable damages all-around: we are losing bio-diversity; changing pathogens leading to newer diseases; farming is under stress; shrinking water wealth threatening habitat; rising sea level and salinity decimating eco-systems. The damages in terms of rising intensity and frequency of cyclones or floods can hardly be ignored. The climatic risks are faced far deeper by our small farmers and artisanal livelihood-holders. As I speak, over five million people witnessed a most devastating flood in their living memory, in eastern Bangladesh.
Yet, Secretary General Guterres showed that under the “current trajectory”, the world is heading for a +2.7°C scenario. I would hence urge for channeling robust resources for climate adaptation in the climate-vulnerable countries like Bangladesh. It is moreover crucial to operationlize Loss and Damge Fund by leveraging innovative solutions and additional finance.
We equally need access to technologies and increased capacity. To be specific, we need access to live-saving technologies, particularly in agriculture, water or public health, where trickle of modest solutions or innovations can save millions of vulnerable population.
Tackling climate crisis has to go hand in hand with getting global economy in order as well. The world is increasingly focussed on de-carbonisation. In order for such a shift to be beneficial to majority of global population, the transformative vision of a NetZero world has to redeem for countries like Bangladesh as well. Else, we risk falling short on our pledge to ‘shared prosperity’ through ‘shared responsibility’.
I believe, the world needs to engage on a shared vision of ‘three zeroes’ that we can materialize together, targeting zero poverty, zero unemployment, and, zero net carbon emissions. Where a young person anywhere in the world will have opportunities to grow not as a job seeker but as entrepreneur; where a young person can unleash his or her latent creativity despite all limitations; where an entrepreneur can optimally balance social benefits, economic profits and responsibility towards nature; where social business can help an individual transcend beyond consumerism and can ultiumately catalyse in social and economic transformation.
Time demands new attitudes, new values, new compact(s), across communities and countries, across developed and developing countries alike, across all actors and stakeholders. If we are to realize such course correction, in full, the United Nations system, national and sub-national governments, non-governmental organizations, business, philanthropies have to walk together. If we accept and accommodate ‘social business’ within existing economic structures, we can bring meaningful changes in the lives of the bottom half of population, in every society. If we can realistically position social business, we can stem much of climate-insenstive distortions within the existing market economy.I would like to invite the attention of Secretary General, Antonio Guterres, on that score.
Mr. President,
In a world of poly-crisis, wars and conflicts are leading to erosion of rights and widespread abuses.
The genocide in Gaza continues unabated despite global concerns and condemnation. The situation in Palestine just does not concern the Arabs or Muslims at large rather the entire humanity. Palestinians are no expendable people. All those responsible for the crimes against humanity against the Palestinian people must be held accountable. Bangladesh calls for an immediate and complete ceasefire to protect the Palestinian people from the brutalities, particularly against the children and women. International community, including the UN, needs to act in earnest to implement the two-state solution that remains the only path to bring lasting peace in the Middle-East.
The two and half year long war in Ukraine has claimed far too many lives. The war has impacted far and wide, even lending deeper economic implications in Bangladesh. We would urge both sides to pursue dialogue to resolve the differences and end the war.
Mr. President,
Seven years on, Bangladesh has been hosting over 1.2 million Rohingyas on humanitarian ground, incurring significant social-economic-environmental costs. The protracted crisis in Myanmar also pose growing risks with national and regional security implications for Bangladesh, both traditional and non-traditional security challenges.
We remain committed to supporting the forcibly displaced Rohingyas from Myanmar in Bangladesh. We need continued support of the international community towards the Rohingyas in carrying out the humanitarian operations and their sustainable repatriation.
Equally important is to ensure justice for the grave human rights violations committed against the Rohingyas, through the ongoing accountability processes in the ICJ and the ICC.
We recognize and appreciate the efforts of the Secretary General and the United Nations system in creating a conducive environment for Rohingyas so that they can lead a free and dignified life. That requires creating pathways for the Rohingyas to return to their ancestral home in Rakhine State, with safety and rights. Looking at the evolving ground situation in Myanmar, Bangladesh is ready to work with the international community to create an environment for dignified and sustainable return of the Rohingyas to their homeland.
Mr. President,
Ensuring peace and security cannot succeed without political freedom and socio-economic emancipation of the people.
Around a decade back, the world unanimously adopted the Agenda 2030. We reposed our collective hope and trust in the universal set of goals. Yet, merely 17% of SDG targets are on track to be achieved by 2030. Clearly, many developing countries risk to be left behind.
Every year, developing countries face a significant SDG financing gap, estimated between 2.5 to 4 trillion US dollars. High debt burdens, shrinking fiscal space, and adverse impacts of climate change put countries like Bangladesh at greater risk. We look forward to the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development to deliver on addressing the complex and systemic challenges. The multilateral financing institutions have to be driven by a vision where wealth and opportunities can be accessed by all, that they rightfully place social business within respective programmes, that they duly address the circumstances in the low-income countries, that they promote entrepreneurship and encourage creativity of individuals, that they support the dispossessed.
In this regard, prevention of illicit financial flows and siphoning of resources from the developing countries merit greater attention. Increased international cooperation must re-channel the assets stolen from the developing countries. We look forward to early conclusion of an international tax Convention that can combat tax evasion.
Mr. President,
Migration and mobility is an inescapable reality in an inter-connected world. As a country of origin of migrants, over eleven million of our people live and work worldwide.
In order for migration to be beneficial for all, we have to create pathways for safe, orderly, regular, and responsible migration and mobility of people. The international community has to ensure full respect for human rights and the humane treatment of migrants, regardless of their migration status.
While Bangladesh remains committed to the full implementation of the Global Compact on Migration, our government is also committed to curve unsafe migration.
Mr. President,
Every year, nearly two and half million Bangladeshis enter our labour market.
In a large population where nearly two-third is young, Bangladesh is challenged to make learning suited to meet the needs of today and tomorrow.
Yet, we see the world of work is changing where a younger person has to adapt constantly, re-skill, adopt newer attitudes. As Bangladesh is set to graduate as a Middle Income Country, we reckon the vital need to secure ourselves in terms of ‘learning’ and ‘technology’.
We are particularly enthused with emergence of the Artificial Intelligence tools and applications. Our youth are excited with the prospect of fast unfolding generative AI. They aspire to walk and work as global citizens. The world needs to ensure that no youth in countries like Bangladesh get left behind in meaningfully reaping benefits out the AI-led transformation. The world simualtenouly needs to ensure that the development of artificial intelligence does not diminish the scope or demand for human labour.
As the the scientific community and the world of technology keeps moving on developing ‘autonomous intelligence’ – artificial intelligence that propagates on its own without any human intervention – we all need to be cautious of possible impact on every human person or our societies, today and beyond. Many have reasons to believe that unless autonomous intelligence develops in a responsible manner, it can pose existential threats to human existence.
Mr. President,
We need newer forms of collaboration where global business and knowledge-holders connect to people’s needs. International cooperation should create space for the developing countries in ways that can bring transformative applications or solutions for jobs, endemic socio-economic challenges, or livelihoods.
Uniting our efforts, capacities and resources is increasingly crucial for us to leverage collective strengths, innovate and foster growth. The challenges we face – in economic development, climate resilience, or social development – have to be addressed with common endeavours.
In that context, South-South and Triangular cooperation can help us given our unique social and economic circumstances.
It is also a growing necessity for the global South to make our voices heard. In shaping and steering the global agenda, the global South merits equal space and focus.
Mr. President,
The Covid times underlined before us the crucial importance of investing in public health.
In WHO, as Bangladesh leads the negotiations on a global Pandemic Treaty, we urge for convergence on the key provisions of adequate international cooperation, financing public health systems, technology transfer, research and development, diversification of production of medical diagnostics-vaccines-therapeutics. Also, to declare vaccines a ‘global public good’ that is free from the rigours of intellectual property.
These are also crucial for combatting the scourge of non-communicable diseases.
Mr. President,
This year, we celebrate the golden jubilee of Bangladesh’s partnership with the United Nations.
It has been a shared journey, of mutual learning. In our modest ways, Bangladesh contributed towards promoting global peace and security, justice, equality, human rights, social progress and prosperity. And, indeed in building a rules-based international order.
For instance, I recall the Microcredit Resolution and the Friends of Microcredit that was formed in the UN General Assembly back in 1999, with exceeding spontaneity. The United Nations declared 2005 as the Year of Microcredit that resulted in global reach of microcredit. The annual General Assembly Resolution on Culture of Peace since 2001 or the Resolution 1325 in the Security Council on Women, Peace and Security may be worth recalling as well.
Mr. President,
As this great Hall reverberates with crying call for peace, security, justice, inclusivity and equitable distribution of wealth, as States, we need to reflect on how we embolden men and women today, create space for them to grow as entrepreneurs tomorrow.
The world has more than enough of capacity, resources and solutions. Let us redeem all the pledges we made, nationally or internationally. Let us work together to end all forms of inequality and discrimination, within and among nations, especially in advancing the proposition of social business in our economic interactions.
The youth in Bangladesh have showed that upholding freedom, dignity and rights of people regardless of distinction and status cannot just remain aspirational. It is just what everyone deserves.
In this assembly of nations, Bangladesh would assure that we would and continue to deliver our bit, at international, regional and national levels, in securing peace, prosperity and justice, for everyone.
I thank you for your attention.
2cr Passengers to Use Shahjalal International Airport
The 3rd terminal of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport will be fully operational only after 2 percent of the work is completed. It is expected to launch early next year. Through this, the number of passengers will be doubled. That is, about 2 million passengers can use this airport annually.
This information was obtained from a source of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport.
According to airport sources, the number of passengers in Shahjalal like other airports in the world decreases during the Corona period. But the picture started to change after the epidemic came under control. The number of passengers continues to increase.
In 2020, the number of passengers was a little more than 3 million, in 2021 it was 38, in 2022 it was a little more than 7 million and in 2023 it increased to 9 million. As a result, the number of passengers traveling since the beginning of this year will exceed one million by the end of the year. And when the third terminal of the airport opens early next year, the number of passengers will increase twice.
At present, 160 to 170 aircraft carry passengers daily on domestic and international routes. Around 300 to 350 cargo aircraft are using Shahjalal Airport.
In this regard, Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport Executive Director Group Captain Kamrul Islam told the media that a record number of passengers are using this country's largest airport. Our range of services is also expanding. The third terminal is in the process of handover. Shahjalal International Airport will become the largest airport in the world if it is launched.
He said that at present around one million passengers are using this airport every year. That means people's trust towards the airport is increasing day by day. We are paying special attention to those expatriates who are outside the country, whom we call 'remittance warriors'. Care is being taken to ensure that they are not harassed in any way.
Kamrul Islam also said that the whole image of Shahjalal Airport will change in the next two years. This airport will become the hub of aviation. As now there are crores of passengers, in the future more than two crore passengers of different airlines will walk around this airport.
Aviation analysts say that Shahjalal Airport will become a hub once the third terminal opens. In that case, as the number of passengers will increase, so will the revenue of the government.
They also say that the inconvenience that passengers sometimes have to face now, will no longer exist once the third terminal is opened. This will increase the confidence of passengers.
Incidentally, Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) Chairman Manzur Kabir Bhuiyan visited the third terminal of the airport on August 24. He then told reporters that the construction of the third terminal has been completed 98 percent. This terminal has special importance as a gateway for economic growth and global communication in the country. Therefore, the remaining works need to be completed on time.
