Chief Adviser Yunus Leads Diverse Bangladesh Delegation to 80th UN General Assembly

Chief Adviser Yunus Arrives for 80th UNGA Session

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus of Bangladesh arrived in New York on Monday afternoon, September 22, 2025, to participate in the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). He landed at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) via a commercial Emirates Airlines flight, commencing a significant diplomatic visit that underscores Bangladesh's commitment to global multilateralism.

The Chief Adviser departed from Dhaka on Sunday night, September 21, 2025, and is scheduled to return to Bangladesh on October 2, 2025.

Unprecedented Multi-Party Delegation Highlights National Unity

In a notable move, Chief Adviser Yunus is accompanied by a diverse delegation that, for the first time, includes prominent political leaders from across Bangladesh's spectrum, aiming to showcase national unity on the international stage. The delegation includes:

• BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir
• BNP leader Humayun Kabir
• Jamaat-e-Islami Nayeb-e-Ameer Syeed Abdullah Muhammad Taher
• National Citizen Party (NCP) Member Secretary Akhter Hossen
• NCP's first Senior Joint Member Secretary Dr. Tasnim Jara
• Jamaat-e-Islami leader Mohammad Nakibur Rahman (joining from the USA)

Key government officials are also part of the entourage, including 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 Chief Adviser M Siraz Uddin Miah, Principal Coordinator (SDGs Affairs) Lamiya Morshed, Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam, and Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam.

Bangladesh's Agenda: Reforms, Rohingya, and Global Challenges

Chief Adviser Yunus is scheduled to deliver Bangladesh's national statement at the UN General Assembly on September 26, 2025. His address is expected to highlight the interim government's reform initiatives, the aspirations of the July 2024 mass uprising, and its firm commitment to holding free, fair, and inclusive elections by February 2026.

A critical focus for Bangladesh at this year's UNGA is the Rohingya crisis. A high-level conference on the situation of Rohingya Muslims and other minorities in Myanmar is slated for September 30, 2025, a significant event stemming from a proposal initiated by Professor Yunus last year that received unanimous support from member states.

Bangladesh will also engage in discussions on pressing global issues, including:

• Climate change and climate justice
• Advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
• Promoting global peace and conflict resolution, with calls for a ceasefire in Palestine
• Addressing illicit financial flows, safe migration, and migrant rights
• Ensuring equitable technology transfer in the age of artificial intelligence
• Discussions on Women, Peace and Security

Engagement in Side Events and Bilateral Meetings

The Chief Adviser's schedule includes a series of high-level meetings and side events. On September 22, 2025, he delivered a keynote speech at a UN High-Level Side Event on 'Social Business, Youth and Technology,' where he urged young people to establish '3-Zero Clubs' focused on Zero Net Carbon Emissions, Zero Wealth Concentration to end poverty, and Zero Unemployment. He also held a meeting with US Special Envoy for South and Central Asia, Sergio Gor, conveying Bangladesh's readiness for free and fair elections.

The 80th UNGA is being held under the theme 'Better Together: 80 years and more for peace, development and human rights,' emphasizing renewed commitment to multilateralism and collective action.