Yunus to US: Bangladesh ready for fair, peaceful February election

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Monday assured the United States that Bangladesh is fully prepared for the upcoming national election, scheduled for the first half of February. He emphasized that the interim government is making “comprehensive preparations” to ensure a “free, fair, and peaceful” general election.

> “The election will be held in February. It will be free, fair and peaceful. The country is fully prepared,” Prof Yunus told US Special Envoy for South and Central Asia and the US Ambassador-designate to India, Sergio Gor, during a meeting.

Sergio Gor praised the chief adviser’s leadership and reiterated the US commitment to supporting Bangladesh’s democratic process, according to Chief Adviser’s Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder.

Key issues discussed

During the meeting, the two sides exchanged views on a wide range of bilateral and regional issues, including trade, South Asian cooperation, the revival of Saarc, the Rohingya crisis, and disinformation targeting Dhaka.

Prof Yunus sought continued US support for more than one million Rohingya refugees living in Cox’s Bazar camps. The US officials assured that humanitarian aid for the Rohingyas would continue.

The chief adviser also stressed the interim government’s efforts to revive Saarc, which has not held a summit for more than a decade. Additionally, he expressed Bangladesh’s interest in joining Asean, noting that integration with Southeast Asian economies could accelerate Bangladesh’s growth.

He emphasized stronger economic ties with Nepal, Bhutan, and India’s Northeastern states, saying, “We can accelerate our economic growth through closer regional cooperation.”

Arrival in New York

Prof Yunus arrived at John F. Kennedy International Airport on Monday afternoon (local time) on an Emirates Airlines commercial flight. He was received by Bangladesh Ambassador to the US Tareq Md Ariful Islam.

Yunus is set to attend multiple high-level meetings on the sidelines of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). On Monday evening, he is scheduled to attend a high-level event on Social Business, Youth and Technology organized by the Global Committee on Social Business for SDGs, followed by the annual SDG dinner and award ceremony.

UNGA Speech and Rohingya Conference

Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain confirmed that the chief adviser will deliver Bangladesh’s national statement at the UNGA on Friday.

On September 30, the UN will host a high-level conference on the Rohingya Muslims and other minorities in Myanmar for the first time, where Bangladesh will play a central role.

Political delegation included

The Bangladesh delegation to the UNGA includes BNP Secretary-General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, BNP leader Humayun Kabir, Jamaat-e-Islami Nayeb-e-Ameer Syed Abdullah Muhammad Taher, National Citizen Party (NCP) leaders Dr Tasnim Jara and Akhtar Hossain, as well as Jamaat leader Nakibur Rahman from the US.

Chief Adviser’s office described their inclusion as a “welcome step,” highlighting that it reflects national unity beyond political divides. Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder said:

> “It also offers our leaders a chance to bridge gaps and build understanding while spending time together. By including political leaders in the official delegation, the chief adviser has once again demonstrated his wisdom and statesmanship.”

Senior advisers and officials accompanying Yunus include Law Adviser Dr Asif Nazrul, Foreign Adviser Md Touhid Hossain, Industries Adviser Adilur Rahman Khan, Energy Adviser Fouzul Kabir Khan, Special Envoy on International Affairs Lutfey Siddiqi, National Security Adviser Dr Khalilur Rahman, BIDA Executive Chairman Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun, Principal Secretary M Siraz Uddin Miah, SDGs Principal Coordinator Lamiya Morshed, and Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam, among others.

Critical timing

With an elected government expected to take office in February, observers say this year’s UNGA comes at a crucial moment. Analysts believe the global stage will provide Bangladeshi leaders with an opportunity to showcase unity and strengthen engagement on critical issues, especially the Rohingya crisis.

The chief adviser is scheduled to return home on October 2.