CA's Press Wing Rejects TIB's Statement on Delegation Size as 'Incorrect'

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Publish : 27 Sep 2025, 11:54 AM

Photo: Collected

The statement issued by Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) regarding the size of Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus's entourage for the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) session has been labeled as being 'based on incorrect information' by his Press Secretary, Shafiqul Alam.

The Press Secretary delivered a clear rebuttal on the matter in a message posted on his verified Facebook page on Friday night (September 26).

Key Clarifications

The Chief Adviser's Press Secretary stated that the current delegation is "significantly smaller, more focused, efficient, and results-oriented" compared to those of the previous Hasina regime.

He expressed disappointment, noting that while TIB is a respectable civil society organization that works for transparency, it is "disappointing" that they would issue a public statement based on rumors and false information from social media instead of verified data.

Delegation Numbers and Purpose

According to the information provided by the Press Secretary:

The total number of members in the current delegation is 62, which is "not more than the 100+" claimed by TIB.
Last year's delegation had 57 members. However, the Press Secretary clarified that this current count of 62 excludes six distinguished politicians traveling at the Chief Adviser's invitation.
Nearly one-third of the current entourage are security officials tasked with ensuring the safety of the Chief Adviser and other senior officials. This security arrangement has become "imperative" due to public threats from Awami League supporters. Many officials are working up to 16 hours a day.

The Press Secretary also highlighted the delegation's performance, stating that in the past five days, the Bangladeshi delegation has held at least a dozen high-level meetings, including more than six bilateral meetings with heads of state and government.

He stressed that the delegation's purpose is to represent the interests of the people of Bangladesh at the UN General Assembly, the world's most critical diplomatic forum where globally important decisions are made.

He noted that this UNGA session is of special significance for Bangladesh at a time when various quarters are attempting to destabilize the country and spread propaganda about the July mass uprising.

Inclusion of Political Leaders

Mr. Alam further explained that the delegation list includes individuals who will represent Bangladesh at the Rohmya conference scheduled for September 30. Several advisers are traveling separately and are not a direct part of the official Bangladesh delegation. They are engaging in discussions and exchanges with relevant global leaders on matters of mutual interest.

He also confirmed that leaders from three Bangladeshi political parties were invited on the trip, and a few officials were included to assist them. This step, the message noted, sends a "clear and strong message" that Bangladesh is firmly committed to a peaceful, democratic transition.

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