UNGA: Prof Yunus, political leaders in New York

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus arrived at John F Kennedy International Airport on Monday afternoon (NY time) as he began his official visit with a series of meetings at the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).

A commercial flight of Emirates Airlines, carrying the Chief Adviser and his small entourage, landed at the airport at 3 pm (NY time).

Bangladesh Ambassador to the United States Tareq Md Ariful Islam received the Chief Adviser at the airport.

He is scheduled to attend a number of events later today (Monday), according to a UNB report.

BNP Secretary-General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, BNP leader Humayun Kabir, Nayeb-e-Ameer of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Syeed Abdullah Muhammad Taher, First Senior Joint Member Secretary of National Citizen Party Dr Tasnim Jara, and NCP leader Akhter Hossen are accompanying the Chief Adviser as part of the Bangladesh delegation to the UNGA at the invitation of the Chief Adviser.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami leader Mohammad Nakibur Rahman will join the delegation from the USA, a political source told UNB news agency.

Law Adviser Dr Asif Nazrul, Foreign Adviser Md Touhid Hossain, Industries Adviser Adilur Rahman Khan, Energy Adviser M Fouzul Kabir Khan, Special Envoy on International Affairs Lutfey Siddiqi, National Security Adviser Dr Khalilur Rahman, Bangladesh Investment Development Authority Executive Chairman Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun, Principal Secretary to the Chief Adviser M Siraz Uddin Miah, Principal Coordinator (SDGs Affairs) Lamiya Morshed, Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam, and Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam are among the members of the Bangladesh delegation, a senior official at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs told UNB.

Prof Yunus is set to hold a series of high-level meetings on the sidelines of the UNGA.

Upon arrival, he is likely to meet family members of deceased NYPD police officer Didarul Islam.

On Monday evening (NY time), Prof Yunus will attend a high-level event on Social Business, Youth and Technology, which will be organised by the Global Committee on Social Business for Sustainable Development Goals.

He will also attend the annual SDG dinner and award ceremony.

At the General Debate (Sept 23–27 & 29), the annual meeting of heads of state and government at the beginning of the General Assembly session, world leaders will make statements outlining their positions and priorities in the context of complex and interconnected global challenges, officials said.

The Chief Adviser will deliver his speech at the UNGA on September 26, said Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain.

On September 30, the UN will, for the first time, host a high-level conference on the Situation of Rohingya Muslims and Other Minorities in Myanmar.

The Chief Adviser will return home on October 2.

Chief Adviser’s Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder on Thursday said the inclusion of political leaders in Bangladesh’s delegation to the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) this year is a welcome step, as it provides an opportunity to showcase national unity before the world, regardless of political differences.

“It also offers our leaders a chance to bridge gaps and build understanding while spending time together,” he said.

By including political leaders in the official Bangladesh delegation, the Chief Adviser has once again demonstrated his wisdom and statesmanship, Azad said, adding, “Let us hope this visit proves to be as successful as anticipated.”

With an elected government expected to take office in February, this year’s UNGA comes at a critical moment, Azad said.

In a world unsettled by multiple conflicts, he said, the forum can serve as a valuable platform for Bangladesh’s political leadership to strengthen mutual understanding.

“The plenary session on the Rohingya crisis following the UNGA makes the physical presence of our leaders all the more crucial for ensuring policy continuity,” Azad said.

Besides, he said, meetings with NRBs and business leaders could provide valuable insights for the country’s governance in the near future.