Chief Adviser of the Interim Government, Professor Dr Muhammad Yunus departed Dhaka for New York yesterday (Monday) morning to attend the 79th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). The advisor is also leading a 57-member delegation team at the general assembly, smallest in over a decade. He is scheduled to stay in New York for 3 days and depart for Bangladesh on September 27 after delivering his speech, a noticeable short trip by a head of Bangladesh government unlike before.
However, in his address the chief adviser will emphasize on the recent student-led movement that took place in July while expressing his government's conviction to build a pro-people, welfare- state system, aimed at serving the people of Bangladesh.
We consider the chief advisor's visit to USA as a very important one for multiple reasons. First, this year's UNGA is particularly significant for Bangladesh since it marks the 50th anniversary of Bangladesh's membership in the United Nations. Second, Professor Yunus has been reported to hold a bilateral meeting with US president Joe Biden on the sideline of UNGA, first such meeting between two heads of respective governments in the last three decades. Third, this is the chief advisor's first foreign trip after assuming public office a little over 50 days ago. And fourth, his trip is taking place at a critical time as the country undergoes a transformation process aiming massive reforms and restoration of democracy.
Undeniably, the chief advisor's meetings in New York will be noteworthy for Bangladesh since, it sends out clear signals that the interim government will attract robust cooperation from the west and international lenders in particular.
The point, however, our expectation from the chief adviser is not merely restricted from seeking all forms of aid & assistance from USA and other western leaders, but also seek assistance from our other diplomatic allies and partners including Russia, India, China and Japan.
The chief adviser's landmark visit is also a golden opportunity for the entire delegation team for networking, developing public and professional rapport with relevant stakeholders. On that note the trip also underscores the importance of effective communication for nation rebuilding.
In conclusion, this year's UNGA provides a well-timed platform for the new Bangladesh to place forward clear foreign policy demarches since a spree of misinterpreting public pronouncements are seemingly taking precedence over bilateral diplomatic negotiations. Moreover, strategic engagement on ONGA's sidelines offers another opportunity for on-spot bilateral or multilateral discussions.
While a bunch of unique opportunities to rebuild Bangladesh hang around at the UNGA, now it is up to the Yunus & Co to make the best out of them.
We wish all the best for the chief adviser and his delegation team.
