Prof Yunus pursues 360-degree diplomacy during crucial transition

Chief Adviser Professor Dr Muhammad Yunus has embarked on an assertive and multidirectional foreign policy drive, shifting from the India-tilted approach of the previously ousted regime, engaging global leaders in what analysts call a "360-degree diplomacy" across continents.

International observers widely anticipated that any administration following the long-standing rule of ousted Sheikh Hasina would face considerable diplomatic challenges, particularly due to the entrenched India-focused foreign policy of her tenures.

However, Nobel Peace Laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus has thus far defied those anticipations, leveraging his global reputation and diplomatic acumen to manage a smooth transition and chart a more balanced foreign policy course.

Since assuming office in August 2024, the Nobel Peace Laureate has intensified high-level diplomatic outreach through bilateral and multilateral engagements, aiming to reposition Bangladesh on the global stage amid a sensitive domestic transition and fast-evolving regional geopolitical dynamics.

As part of this broader diplomatic strategy, Professor Yunus is scheduled to depart early tomorrow for a four-day official visit to Japan that includes participation in the 30th Nikkei Forum and a bilateral meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba.

Significantly, the Japan visit was confirmed prior to Professor Yunus's recent crucial trip to China—an intentional sequencing that underscores his administration's commitment to balanced diplomacy amid a period of heightened global polarisation.

In a geopolitical environment marked by rapid shifts and strategic recalibrations, Professor Yunus's foreign policy moves signal a deliberate effort to reposition Bangladesh as a constructive and independent actor on the international stage.

From Biden to Xi, from Xi to Modi, and from regional capitals to multilateral forums, his outreach has extended in all directions—east, west, north, and south—reflecting the 360-degree approach in international politics that refers to a holistic and comprehensive strategy.

Analysts say this multi-front diplomacy marks a strategic recalibration of Bangladesh's external engagement, seeking both traditional partnerships and emerging alliances to ensure national stability, economic recovery, and global credibility amid political transition.

First Major Diplomatic Breakthrough: UAE Pardons Bangladeshi Detainees

Professor Yunus's first key diplomatic success came when over a hundred Bangladeshi expatriates detained in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for participating in protests aligned with Bangladesh's student-led movement were granted clemency.

Initially sentenced to lengthy prison terms by the UAE Federal Court, the detainees were released following a direct conversation between the Chief Adviser and UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

Foreign Affairs Adviser Md. Touhid Hossain termed the development an extraordinary achievement, stating, "Such an incident is unprecedented."

He credited Professor Yunus's global stature and strategic diplomacy in clarifying that the protests were rooted in Bangladesh's domestic affairs and not aimed at any foreign government.

Meeting Western Leaders

Dr. Yunus made his debut as a statesman in the international arena by joining the 79th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York in September 2024, where he held a significant meeting with U.S. President Joe Biden.

Their talks on the sidelines of the UNGA centred on strengthening Bangladesh's ties with the world's biggest democracy, fostering democratic resilience, and enhancing trade and investment opportunities.

Dr. Yunus's talks with Biden were followed by a meeting with his longtime friend, former US President Bill Clinton, at an event hosted by the Clinton Global Initiative, where both figures emphasised social entrepreneurship and inclusive development.

Continuing the momentum, the Chief Adviser attended 16 high-level events on a single day on September 26, taking Bangladesh's stake to a higher scale in the international arena.

On that day, he met the Prime Ministers of Pakistan, Canada, and Italy; Presidents of Brazil and Mauritius; the President of the World Bank; the Managing Director of the IMF; and UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk.

In his speech at the UNGA, the Chief Adviser made a clarion call urging the international community to engage with the "new Bangladesh," which aims to realise freedom and democracy for everyone.

Earlier this year, Dr Yunus earned confirmation of support for his administration from a major Western nation when the British Prime Minister sent a high-level delegation to Bangladesh.

The British mission conveyed the UK’s continued support for Bangladesh, reaffirming London’s commitment to deepen economic and strategic ties with Dhaka, particularly in the post-Brexit context.

Global Endorsements Begin: Malaysian PM Leads High-Level Visits Backing Yunus

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim became the first foreign head of government to visit Dhaka following the political transition, signalling robust support for the interim government led by Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus.

On October 4, Anwar arrived with a high-powered 58-member delegation—comprising ministers of investment, trade and industry, foreign affairs, the deputy ministers of transport and religious affairs, and members of parliament—reflecting Malaysia’s strong diplomatic endorsement of Yunus’s leadership.

Anwar, who has known Prof. Yunus for over four decades, praised his enduring commitment to democracy and social justice, expressing confidence in Yunus’s capacity to guide Bangladesh toward a more inclusive and rights-based future.

"I know you personally. I know your passion for the lives of men and women, human rights, and human dignity. I fully support your position," Anwar said during a joint press appearance following his bilateral meeting with Prof. Yunus.

Two months later, Timor-Leste President Ramos-Horta made his first-ever visit to Bangladesh, attending Victory Day celebrations as the nation’s guest of honour.

Beyond ceremonial significance, the visit underscored Dhaka’s pivot toward strategic alliances in Southeast Asia amid the ongoing critical situation in Myanmar.

The diplomatic weight of these visits lies in regional calculus, as ASEAN Chair Malaysia has growing leverage over Myanmar and could prove crucial in pressuring Naypyidaw on the Rohingya crisis.

Simultaneously, Timor-Leste—on track to gain full ASEAN membership—emerges as a future voice in the bloc’s internal dynamics.

Yunus Champions ‘Three Zero’ Vision at COP29, Expands Climate Diplomacy with World Leaders

Chief Adviser Professor Yunus reinforced his position as a global voice for ethical leadership and sustainable development during his participation in the COP29 climate summit held in Baku, Azerbaijan, in November.

Delivering a compelling address at the World Leaders' Climate Action Summit, Prof Yunus proposed a bold new global framework—a civilisation built on "three zeroes": zero carbon emissions, zero wealth concentration, and zero unemployment.

"I seek your indulgence to share with you my longstanding dream of creating a new world of three zeroes," the Nobel Peace Laureate told world leaders and climate experts gathered for the high-level session.

The address was met with wide interest from global delegates, as Yunus positioned Bangladesh not only as a vulnerable country impacted by climate change but also as a thought leader offering pathways for planetary healing.

Beyond the speech, Prof. Yunus conducted a full-scale diplomatic engagement during the summit, meeting over 20 heads of state and government, including Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and Prime Ministers and Presidents of Pakistan, Bhutan, Nepal, Maldives, Belgium, Ghana, and several others.

In his meeting with President Erdogan, Yunus received an invitation to visit Turkey and was assured of Ankara’s full support for Bangladesh’s ongoing reforms.

Prof. Yunus also met with UN Secretary-General António Guterres during a high-level LDC meeting and exchanged views with former UK Prime Minister Theresa May, the Brazilian Vice President’s spouse Lu Alckmin, and heads of international organisations including the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and FIFA.

At a youth dialogue on the summit’s sidelines, Yunus encouraged young people to dream boldly and shape the world they wish to live in. "If you dream, there's a very good chance your life will change," he told them. "If you don't dream, it won't happen."

By combining visionary policy, grassroots empowerment, and high-level diplomacy, Prof. Yunus’s presence at COP29 positioned Bangladesh as both a frontline climate state and a driver of ethical, inclusive global reform.

Unified EU Engagement: All 27 Ambassadors Meet Prof. Yunus in Landmark Diplomatic Outreach

In an unprecedented show of unified diplomatic engagement, all 27 ambassadors of the European Union (EU) member states—stationed in Dhaka and New Delhi—held a joint meeting with Chief Adviser Professor Dr Muhammad Yunus in the capital on November 18.

Led by Michael Miller, EU Ambassador to Bangladesh and Head of the EU Delegation, the landmark meeting marked the first time the entire EU diplomatic corps convened with the Bangladeshi government, reflecting the bloc’s collective commitment to deepening its partnership with Dhaka.

Foreign ministry officials described the gathering as a significant milestone in Bangladesh-EU relations, particularly in light of the evolving global and regional context.

While seven EU ambassadors are based in Dhaka, the participation of their 20 counterparts from New Delhi underscored the extraordinary nature of the engagement, signalling the EU’s growing confidence in Bangladesh’s leadership and commitment to multidimensional cooperation.

Prof Yunus Shines on Global Stage with Bold Diplomacy at WEF

The World Economic Forum (WEF) invitation to Dr. Yunus to join its prestigious and crucial annual meet in Davos, Switzerland, in January 2025 added another feather to the cap of the interim government.

In a landmark diplomatic outing, joining 47 formal and informal events, Yunus held back-to-back meetings with global leaders, including German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, UN Secretary-General António Guterres, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and heads of state from Timor-Leste, Malaysia, Finland, and Thailand.

He used these platforms to advocate for digital inclusion, sustainable development, and justice for Bangladesh by recovering the billions looted by the ousted regime.

At a time of geopolitical fragmentation, his presence in Davos—alongside 50 world leaders and top CEOs—reflected Bangladesh’s aspiration to act as a constructive global player.

Yunus spoke at high-profile forums such as the "State of Climate and Nature" plenary, addressed the Schwab Foundation for Social Entrepreneurship, and engaged with leaders of Meta, DP World, Amnesty International, the World Bank, and Maersk.

The Chief Adviser also grabbed the attention of global media, with interviews scheduled with Reuters, CNBC International, and the Financial Times.

Dr Yunus’s whirlwind diplomacy in Davos not only elevated Bangladesh’s voice on global platforms but also confirmed that under his leadership, Dhaka is pivoting towards principled multilateralism and diversified strategic alliances.