Global leaders pledge full support, assistance to CA

During a sideline meeting at the United Nations General Assembly session in New York on Friday (September 26), world leaders expressed their full support for Dr. Muhammad Yunus, Chief Adviser of Bangladesh’s interim government.

The high-level meeting took place at Dr. Yunus’s hotel suite, include former presidents, prime ministers, and heads of various international organisations from 11 countries.

World leaders assured expert assistance and experience sharing during this critical period for Bangladesh. They praised Dr. Yunus’s lifelong contributions to poverty alleviation and social justice.

“We are here to support you and the people of Bangladesh. We stand fully by your side,” the delegation expressed.

The delegation was led by former Latvian President Vaira Vīķe-Freiberga, who is also the co-chair of the Nizami Ganjavi International Center (NGIC). Other members included former presidents and prime ministers from Slovenia, Serbia, Greece, Bulgaria, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Mauritius.

Also present were former Commonwealth Secretary-General, former Deputy Prime Minister of Georgia, four former Presidents of the UN General Assembly, several former foreign ministers, NGIC co-chair and former World Bank vice president Ismail Serageldin, Human Rights President Kerry Kennedy, and senior representatives from the IAEA and Georgetown Institute for Women, Peace and Security.

The leaders acknowledged Bangladesh’s commendable recent progress under Dr. Yunus’s leadership but noted that after 16 years of misrule, corruption, and exploitation, the country still faces many challenges.

They assured the interim government of expert support for reconstruction and economic recovery.

One leader said, “We are ready to work with you. Let us know if you need any advice or assistance. Much work remains.”

NGIC co-chair Ismail Serageldin added, “We are here whenever you need us.”

Kerry Kennedy, who recently visited Bangladesh, praised the country’s progress in human rights, calling it remarkable.

Melanne Verveer, executive director of the Georgetown Institute for Women, Peace and Security, stated that their organisation will soon formally support Bangladesh’s July revolution.

Receiving overwhelming support, Dr. Yunus expressed deep gratitude, saying, “This was completely unexpected. I am moved and emotional to see all of you united in support of us.”

He likened the challenges faced by his administration to a massive natural disaster, stating, “The country has experienced a 15-year-long earthquake with a magnitude of 9 on the Richter scale.”

Dr. Yunus appealed to the international community for assistance in the upcoming national elections in February, emphasizing the need for advice, support, and moral strength.

He also noted that while the public expects immediate change, resources are limited. However, the dreams of the younger generation must be fulfilled.

The meeting was also attended by Lamia Morshed, SDG Coordinator of the interim government.