Desk Report:
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has pledged his full support and solidarity for the ongoing democratic transition and reform efforts in Bangladesh. He made the pledge during a meeting with Principal Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus at the UN Headquarters in New York on Monday.
The high-level Bangladesh delegation led by Professor Muhammad Yunus included Foreign Affairs Adviser Md. Towhid Hossain, National Security Adviser Dr. Khalilur Rahman, Principal Secretary Siraj Uddin Mia and Principal Coordinator for SDGs Lamia Morshed.
The meeting discussed various issues including political reforms, the upcoming February national elections, accountability for the atrocities committed during the July uprising, global trade concerns due to protectionist tariff policies and the upcoming International Rohingya Conference on September 30.
The Principal Adviser briefed the Secretary-General on the reform measures taken by the interim government and its commitment to ensuring free, fair and peaceful elections. He said, “The next few months are very important. Your cooperation is needed to organize the elections.”
He alleged that the ousted regime and its allies were trying to destabilize the country by spreading false information using stolen funds. Professor Yunus added, “They do not want the February elections. Some international circles are also sponsoring them.”
In response, Secretary-General Guterres reiterated the UN’s strong support for Bangladesh’s democratic transition and reform program. He also pledged the UN’s continued role at the global level in finding a lasting solution to the Rohingya crisis.
He commended the Principal Adviser’s efforts and leadership over the past 14 months, saying that he views his leadership in Bangladesh’s difficult transition process with respect and dignity.
The Principal Adviser thanked the Secretary-General for convening the High-Level International Rohingya Summit on 30 September. He said the conference will play a role in prioritizing the Rohingya crisis in global discussions and raising urgent funds for humanitarian assistance in the refugee camps.
The UN Secretary-General reiterated his commitment to stand by Bangladesh in finding a solution to the Rohingya crisis.
