Tuesday, 07 October, 2025
Over the past eight decades, the United Nations has steadily expanded its scope and become deeply involved in numerous fields. It has played an undeniable role in promoting world peace and security, human rights, improving the quality of life worldwide, and advancing justice, fairness and equality. Thanks to the UN, emergency food and basic humanitarian aid reach about 130 million vulnerable people across 120 countries, and 45 per cent of children worldwide have been vaccinated. UN agencies, through multilateral cooperation, provide food, clean water, sanitation, vaccinations and other life-saving services in every corner of the globe. However, recent decades have also revealed the UN’s limitations in resolving inter-state conflicts and addressing many global challenges.
Overall, the UN’s role remains positive and beneficial for humanity. Around three out of every 100 people globally live in Bangladesh. Yet it is not merely this fact, nor Bangladesh’s geopolitical importance, that makes the country’s story worth telling. Rather, the narrative of Bangladesh is important because it demonstrates the extraordinary power of ordinary people. It inspires hope worldwide that no matter how deep the crisis or how impossible the resolution seems, there is always a way forward. Professor Muhammad Yunus, Chief Advisor to the Interim Government of Bangladesh, addressed the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly. He spoke of the interim government’s reform initiatives, the promise of a mass uprising in July 2024, the commitment to free and fair elections in February 2026, the trial of the July massacres, and the Rohingya crisis.
Professor Yunus also highlighted Bangladesh’s democratic transition on the global stage. He recalled that Bangladesh was born in 1971 through a bloody struggle demanding equality, human dignity and social justice. Yet the rights fought for have been repeatedly denied over five decades. Time and again, the people—led by the youth—have had to reclaim these rights through great sacrifice. The last fifteen years have shown that development without accountability is fragile and temporary. Political gain and corruption have undermined infrastructure projects, putting enormous pressure on the economy without benefiting the population. Upon assuming office, it became clear that corruption and theft had become widespread, leaving the country’s macroeconomic situation fragile. The government is now determined to end this, so development is never again used to justify public wealth embezzlement.
Difficult but necessary reforms have been introduced to strengthen the economy. One key reform is the overhaul of revenue collection, with a law separating policy-making from implementation agencies. This will ensure transparency, accountability and increased revenue. We also recognise the urgent need to reform global financial institutions’ decision-making and management, establish an inclusive international framework for tax cooperation, take coordinated global action against illicit financial flows and corruption, and enhance international cooperation to recover illicit funds and laundered assets.
Recovering illicit wealth from abroad is a top priority. Hundreds of billions of dollars have been illegally smuggled out of Bangladesh in the past 15 years through corruption. Efforts to repatriate this wealth are ongoing but hampered by legal obstacles and lack of cooperation from other countries. Without their goodwill, success will remain elusive. The global economic system fails to effectively prevent this illicit outflow, and international financial institutions’ rules sometimes facilitate transfers to tax havens. We urge countries tolerating these illicit funds not to be complicit, but to return the assets to their rightful owners—the farmers, workers and taxpayers. Strict international rules and enforcement against smuggling wealth from developing countries are urgently needed.
Our expatriates have also played a crucial role in the country’s economic recovery, sending record remittances and providing essential services abroad. This benefits not only Bangladesh but also their host countries. We therefore support safe, orderly, and regular migration and want migrant workers to be treated with compassion and protection. While many developed nations face ageing populations, over 60 per cent of Bangladesh’s population is under 35. Facilitating migration will help solve labour shortages and benefit both sending and receiving countries.
More than eight years since the Rohingya crisis began, no resolution is in sight. Bangladesh continues to shelter Rohingyas fleeing persecution in Myanmar. The minority’s rights continue to be denied in Rakhine due to cultural and identity politics. This marginalisation must end. Immediate remedial measures can be taken without waiting for a full political settlement. Yet a final political solution is essential, requiring the participation of all ethnic groups in Rakhine so Rohingyas can enjoy equal rights and citizenship. The Rohingyas are the crisis’s biggest victims, followed by Bangladesh.
This year, violence has erupted across the globe—in Europe, South Asia and the Middle East. Extreme nationalism, geopolitical rivalries, and indifference to suffering are destroying decades of progress. The tragedy in Gaza is particularly stark: children starving, civilians killed indiscriminately, entire communities including hospitals and schools wiped out. We concur with the UN Independent Commission of Inquiry’s assessment that genocide is occurring before our eyes. Yet the international community is failing to act decisively to end it. If this continues, history and future generations will judge us harshly.
On behalf of the people of Bangladesh and conscientious global citizens, Dr Yunus has called strongly for the immediate implementation of a two-state solution, establishing an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital. Only by restoring the pre-1967 borders and peaceful coexistence can justice be truly served. He has also advocated for the revival of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC). Formed over four decades ago, SAARC achieved significant progress early on, laying a foundation for regional cooperation. Despite political deadlock, its institutional framework remains intact, and it still holds potential to benefit billions in the region—just as the African Union serves its continent. Regional cooperation among neighbouring countries remains the only viable path for collective development. Alongside this, fair and compassionate sharing of natural resources is essential. Bangladesh is firmly committed to peaceful cooperation and recently became the first South Asian country to join the United Nations Water Convention. The country is transitioning from least developed to developing status, and international cooperation, especially from relevant UN agencies, is vital for this smooth and sustainable progress.
Last year, the people of Bangladesh demonstrated that injustice and destruction will inevitably be defeated. They showed that change is both possible and necessary. We must remember that no nation can face future challenges alone. When crises occur anywhere, global security is at risk. We must move forward with the dream of building a world of three zeros: zero carbon emissions, zero wealth concentration, and zero unemployment. The youth will carry this vision forward, building a fairer, sustainable future for all.
( The writer is a researcher and columnist in London. He may be reached at [email protected])
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Over the past eight decades, the United Nations has steadily expanded its scope and become deeply involved in numerous fields. It has played an undeniable role in promoting world peace and security, human rights, improving the quality of life worldwide, and advancing justice, fairness and equality. Thanks to the UN, emergency food and basic humanitarian aid reach about 130 million vulnerable people across 120 countries, and 45 per cent of children worldwide have been vaccinated. UN agencies, through multilateral cooperation, provide food, clean water, sanitation, vaccinations and other life-saving services in every corner of the globe. However, recent decades have also revealed the UN’s limitations in resolving inter-state conflicts and addressing many global challenges.
Overall, the UN’s role remains positive and beneficial for humanity. Around three out of every 100 people globally live in Bangladesh. Yet it is not merely this fact, nor Bangladesh’s geopolitical importance, that makes the country’s story worth telling. Rather, the narrative of Bangladesh is important because it demonstrates the extraordinary power of ordinary people. It inspires hope worldwide that no matter how deep the crisis or how impossible the resolution seems, there is always a way forward. Professor Muhammad Yunus, Chief Advisor to the Interim Government of Bangladesh, addressed the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly. He spoke of the interim government’s reform initiatives, the promise of a mass uprising in July 2024, the commitment to free and fair elections in February 2026, the trial of the July massacres, and the Rohingya crisis.
Professor Yunus also highlighted Bangladesh’s democratic transition on the global stage. He recalled that Bangladesh was born in 1971 through a bloody struggle demanding equality, human dignity and social justice. Yet the rights fought for have been repeatedly denied over five decades. Time and again, the people—led by the youth—have had to reclaim these rights through great sacrifice. The last fifteen years have shown that development without accountability is fragile and temporary. Political gain and corruption have undermined infrastructure projects, putting enormous pressure on the economy without benefiting the population. Upon assuming office, it became clear that corruption and theft had become widespread, leaving the country’s macroeconomic situation fragile. The government is now determined to end this, so development is never again used to justify public wealth embezzlement.
Difficult but necessary reforms have been introduced to strengthen the economy. One key reform is the overhaul of revenue collection, with a law separating policy-making from implementation agencies. This will ensure transparency, accountability and increased revenue. We also recognise the urgent need to reform global financial institutions’ decision-making and management, establish an inclusive international framework for tax cooperation, take coordinated global action against illicit financial flows and corruption, and enhance international cooperation to recover illicit funds and laundered assets.
Recovering illicit wealth from abroad is a top priority. Hundreds of billions of dollars have been illegally smuggled out of Bangladesh in the past 15 years through corruption. Efforts to repatriate this wealth are ongoing but hampered by legal obstacles and lack of cooperation from other countries. Without their goodwill, success will remain elusive. The global economic system fails to effectively prevent this illicit outflow, and international financial institutions’ rules sometimes facilitate transfers to tax havens. We urge countries tolerating these illicit funds not to be complicit, but to return the assets to their rightful owners—the farmers, workers and taxpayers. Strict international rules and enforcement against smuggling wealth from developing countries are urgently needed.
Our expatriates have also played a crucial role in the country’s economic recovery, sending record remittances and providing essential services abroad. This benefits not only Bangladesh but also their host countries. We therefore support safe, orderly, and regular migration and want migrant workers to be treated with compassion and protection. While many developed nations face ageing populations, over 60 per cent of Bangladesh’s population is under 35. Facilitating migration will help solve labour shortages and benefit both sending and receiving countries.
More than eight years since the Rohingya crisis began, no resolution is in sight. Bangladesh continues to shelter Rohingyas fleeing persecution in Myanmar. The minority’s rights continue to be denied in Rakhine due to cultural and identity politics. This marginalisation must end. Immediate remedial measures can be taken without waiting for a full political settlement. Yet a final political solution is essential, requiring the participation of all ethnic groups in Rakhine so Rohingyas can enjoy equal rights and citizenship. The Rohingyas are the crisis’s biggest victims, followed by Bangladesh.
This year, violence has erupted across the globe—in Europe, South Asia and the Middle East. Extreme nationalism, geopolitical rivalries, and indifference to suffering are destroying decades of progress. The tragedy in Gaza is particularly stark: children starving, civilians killed indiscriminately, entire communities including hospitals and schools wiped out. We concur with the UN Independent Commission of Inquiry’s assessment that genocide is occurring before our eyes. Yet the international community is failing to act decisively to end it. If this continues, history and future generations will judge us harshly.
On behalf of the people of Bangladesh and conscientious global citizens, Dr Yunus has called strongly for the immediate implementation of a two-state solution, establishing an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital. Only by restoring the pre-1967 borders and peaceful coexistence can justice be truly served. He has also advocated for the revival of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC). Formed over four decades ago, SAARC achieved significant progress early on, laying a foundation for regional cooperation. Despite political deadlock, its institutional framework remains intact, and it still holds potential to benefit billions in the region—just as the African Union serves its continent. Regional cooperation among neighbouring countries remains the only viable path for collective development. Alongside this, fair and compassionate sharing of natural resources is essential. Bangladesh is firmly committed to peaceful cooperation and recently became the first South Asian country to join the United Nations Water Convention. The country is transitioning from least developed to developing status, and international cooperation, especially from relevant UN agencies, is vital for this smooth and sustainable progress.
Last year, the people of Bangladesh demonstrated that injustice and destruction will inevitably be defeated. They showed that change is both possible and necessary. We must remember that no nation can face future challenges alone. When crises occur anywhere, global security is at risk. We must move forward with the dream of building a world of three zeros: zero carbon emissions, zero wealth concentration, and zero unemployment. The youth will carry this vision forward, building a fairer, sustainable future for all.
( The writer is a researcher and columnist in London. He may be reached at [email protected])
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