The interim government on Friday dismissed as “deeply disappointing” a statement by Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB), accusing the watchdog of issuing remarks based on unverified social media posts rather than factual evidence.

“Contrary to TIB’s recent statement — which unfortunately relies on inaccurate information — the Bangladesh delegation to the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) is not only significantly smaller than those of the Hasina era, but also far more focused, industrious, and results-driven,” said Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam in an official response.

Acknowledging TIB’s role as a respected civil society organisation and a long-standing advocate for transparency, Alam nonetheless expressed concern over its reliance on misinformation. He emphasised that the delegation’s mission is to represent Bangladesh at the world’s most consequential diplomatic forum, where critical global decisions are shaped.

Over the past five days alone, delegation members have engaged in at least a dozen high-level meetings, including bilateral talks with more than six heads of state and government, Alam said.

TIB, however, had inaccurately claimed the delegation exceeded 100 members. The actual figure stands at 62 — only marginally higher than last year’s 57, he noted. Last year’s count, he added, did not include six senior politicians who travelled at the invitation of the Chief Adviser.

Alam further explained that roughly one-third of this year’s delegation consists of security personnel tasked with protecting senior officials, including Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus, in light of credible threats from Awami League supporters. Many security officers, he said, have been working extended 16-hour shifts to ensure adequate protection.

The press secretary admitted that questions might arise about the size of the delegation but argued that Bangladesh’s strong presence at this year’s UNGA was vital. “At a time when various actors are engaged in deliberate efforts to destabilise the country — including a concerted campaign to misrepresent the July Uprising — strong and proactive international engagement is not just strategic, but necessary,” he said.

He further alleged that the Awami League and its allies are spending millions to spread disinformation about the interim government and the July Uprising, as well as to lobby against Bangladesh’s democratic transition, often with tacit backing from certain international quarters.

Alam highlighted that members of the delegation would also represent Bangladesh at the forthcoming Rohingya Conference on 30 September, underscoring Dhaka’s leadership role in one of the region’s most pressing humanitarian and security crises.

In addition, several advisers — though not formally part of the UNGA delegation — have travelled separately to hold talks with international counterparts on issues of mutual concern. Leaders of Bangladesh’s most popular political parties were also invited to join, with supporting officials assigned to assist them, Alam said.

“This inclusive approach sends a clear and unequivocal message: Bangladesh is firmly committed to a peaceful, democratic transition,” he concluded.