Chief adviser Yunus returns home after UN visit

Chief adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus arrived in Dhaka early Sunday, concluding a productive visit marked by a series of high-level meetings with global leaders.

Prof Yunus and his delegation arrived at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 3:32 am on a Qatar Airways commercial flight.

During his four-day stay in New York, Prof Yunus participated in over 40 major events on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), his Press Secretary, Shafiqul Alam, told UNB.

Alam said the chief adviser attended the highest 16 events on September 26 and met at least 12 global leaders, including US President Joe Biden.

The chief adviser has called upon the international community to engage with the "new Bangladesh", which aims to realise freedom and democracy for everyone.

The call came from Yunus' address to the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), his first since a student-led upsurge brought him at the helm of Bangladesh's interim government last month.

Speaking in Bangla, the Nobel Peace Prize laureate said youths in Bangladesh have shown that upholding freedom, dignity, and rights of people regardless of distinction and status cannot just remain aspirational. "It is just what everyone deserves."

Prof Yunus invited all countries across the world to deepen their engagement with Bangladesh in its quest for democracy, the rule of law, equality, and prosperity.

"This was an epoch-making speech," said the Press Secretary, adding that the speech covered global and regional issues apart from Bangladesh issues.

Earlier, chief adviser Yunus reached New York on September 23, Monday night (NY Time) to attend the 79th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) with a series of high-profile meetings lined up on the sidelines of the UNGA including a meeting with US President Joe Biden.