Chief Advisor to the Government of Bangladesh, Professor Muhammad Yunus, emphasized the pivotal role of the Bangladeshi people, particularly the youth, in securing the nation’s independence from an “autocratic and undemocratic regime through their remarkable determination and abilities.”
Speaking at the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly on September 27, 2024, in New York, Professor Yunus highlighted that this collective resolve should shape the future of Bangladesh, positioning the country as a responsive and responsible member of the international community.
“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,” he added. “We were moved by the wisdom, courage and conviction our youth showed. Even braving bullets, bare chest.”
He affirmed that Bangladesh was founded on the principles of “liberalism, pluralism, and secularism,” values deeply held by its people. Decades later, Generation Z is prompting a re-examination and re-imagining of the ideals that Bangladesh embraced during its 1971 independence movement.
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Professor Yunus also commended the United Nations for organizing the Summit of the Future, expressing that initiatives like the Pact for the Future and the Declaration on Future Generations could pave the way for progress beyond the goals of Agenda 2030.
He expressed “Bangladesh believes that the Summit’s outcome will serve as a guiding framework in materializing our shared aspirations and re-thinking collaboration, for posterity.”
Yunus reaffirmed that Bangladesh would uphold all international, regional, and bilateral agreements to which it is a signatory, while emphasizing, “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.”
He urged the global community to enhance their cooperation with Bangladesh to support the nation’s pursuit of “democracy, rule of law, equality, and prosperity,” with the aim of building a “just and inclusive democratic society.”
Addressing the Israel-Gaza conflict, Yunus expressed grave concern over the ongoing genocide in Gaza, which continues despite widespread global outrage 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,” he added. “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.”
Yunus highlighted the devastating toll of the two-and-a-half-year-long Russia-Ukraine war, emphasizing its global impact, including economic consequences for Bangladesh. He urged both sides to pursue dialogue for peace.
On Myanmar, he noted that Bangladesh has been hosting over 1.2 million Rohingya refugees for seven years, which has led to significant social, economic, and environmental burdens. He also warned that the prolonged crisis poses increasing national and regional security risks for Bangladesh.
