UN expresses full support for Bangladesh’s democratic reforms

UN Secretary-General António Guterres has expressed full support and solidarity with Bangladesh’s democratic transition and reform agenda.

He conveyed this during a meeting with Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus at the UN headquarters in New York on Monday, September 29, according to the press wing of the Chief Adviser.

Professor Yunus was accompanied by Foreign Affairs Adviser Touhid Hossain, National Security Adviser Dr Khalilur Rahman, Principal Secretary Siraj Uddin Mia and SDG Coordinator Lamia Morshed.

The meeting discussed political reforms, the upcoming national election, accountability for the perpetrators of the July coup massacre, the impact of protectionist tariff policies on global trade, and the International Rohingya Conference scheduled for September 30.

Professor Yunus said the interim government has undertaken reform-oriented measures to ensure a free, fair and peaceful election. He sought UN assistance in the electoral process and warned that the ousted regime and its allies were attempting to create instability by using wealth siphoned abroad.

In response, Guterres reaffirmed the UN’s support for Bangladesh’s democratic journey and reforms. He also reiterated the UN’s commitment to a long-term solution to the Rohingya crisis.

Professor Yunus received praise from the UN Secretary-General for his leadership over the past 14 months. Guterres said, “I admire and appreciate your leadership during this difficult transitional period in Bangladesh.”

When the Chief Adviser thanked him for hosting the International Rohingya Conference, Guterres assured that the UN would stand by Bangladesh in seeking a sustainable resolution to the Rohingya issue.