Former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon praised Professor Yunus's leadership, saying that Bangladesh now has a leader who is globally recognized and respected. He noted that while Bangladesh has made significant strides, there is still room for improvement politically and democratically.
These comments were made during a meeting with Ban Ki-moon at the Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) conference in Hainan, China, on Thursday, March 27.
Ban Ki-moon reminisced about his early role as a young diplomat in New Delhi, where he helped establish diplomatic relations between Bangladesh and South Korea. He pointed out that it was his signature that officially sealed the diplomatic agreement between the two countries.
In his efforts for a democratic transition in Bangladesh, Chief Advisor Professor Muhammad Yunus sought Ban Ki-moon's support and advice, saying, "We wish to begin anew, and we need your guidance and support. This is a crucial moment for us."
At the meeting, Ban Ki-moon introduced Yunus to Ki Hak-sung, Chairman of Youngwon Corporation and one of Korea's most respected business leaders. Ki Hak-sung later expanded his business into a special economic zone in Bangladesh.
Professor Yunus reflected that at one time, both Bangladesh and Korea were on the same path, but now Korea has advanced much further.
He emphasized that while the people of Bangladesh are extraordinary, the political leadership has been detrimental to the country's progress.
The Chief Advisor also shared that Bangladesh recently resolved a longstanding land dispute with the Korean EPZ in Chattogram, which is expected to encourage more Korean investors to consider Bangladesh for future investments.
Ashik Mahmud, Chairman of the Bangladesh Investment Authority, announced that Ki Hak-sung would lead a strong 26-member Korean business delegation to an upcoming summit in Dhaka.
Lastly, the Chief Advisor requested Ban Ki-moon's support in addressing the Rohingya crisis and invited him to visit Bangladesh at an appropriate time.
