The chief adviser of the interim government of Bangladesh Dr. Muhammad Yunus addressed the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly in Bengali. He highlighted various issues in his speech given at the United Nations headquarters in New York.
He began his speech at 11:24 AM New York standard time on Friday (September 27). The nearly 38-minute long speech ended at 12:20 p.m.
The President of the General Assembly of the United Nations congratulated Dr. Yunus and said, I am assured that the Bangladesh delegation will give you full cooperation while fulfilling your duties.
Secretary General Antonio Guterres expressed sincere appreciation for his conviction and successful leadership in upholding the mandate of the United Nations and solving global crises.
He said, I think that the 'Pact for the Future' and 'Declaration on Future Generations' were unanimously accepted at the conference, which will be particularly helpful in determining the global development course after Agenda 2030. Bangladesh believes that the achievement of this conference will serve as a guide for all of us to formulate our intention and cooperation framework for global prosperity.
The chief advisor of the Bangladesh interim government said, "In view of the revolutionary changes that have taken place in Bangladesh this July-August, today I have been able to attend this great parliament of the world community." The immense power of our masses, especially the youth, has opened up a new possibility of radical transformation of our existing state structures and institutions.
He said, the movement of our students and youth society was basically an anti-discrimination movement. Gradually it turned into a mass movement. Then the whole world watched in amazement, how the entire people of Bangladesh stood firm against dictatorship, oppression, discrimination, injustice and corruption through streets and social media.
Dr. Yunus said, our students have freed us from an autocratic and undemocratic regime through their indomitable determination and conviction. Yunus said, I believe that the future of our country lies in their collective determination, which will elevate this country to the status of a responsible nation in the world community.
He said, this mass movement has united the vast masses of Bangladesh who are deprived of political rights and development. The people of Bangladesh wanted an inclusive partnership in development activities. Our people have fought for a fair, inclusive and effective democracy, for which our new generation sacrificed their lives.
He further said, we are overwhelmed by the wisdom, courage and conviction shown by these young people of ours. Ignoring the gunshots, these young men of ours stood to receive the chest. Our young women strongly voiced against the illegal state power. School-going teenagers sacrificed their lives without hesitation. Hundreds of people have lost their sight forever. Our mothers, day laborers and countless people of the city shouldered their children on the streets. Ignoring the scorching sun, rain, fear of death, they overcame the evil conspiracy to manipulate the state machinery for a long time against true and just aspirations. As far as we know in this people's movement, we have lost more than eight hundred lives at the hands of fascist forces.
Dr. Muhammad Yunus said that the development of the Bangladesh state is due to people's deep belief in liberalism, pluralism and secularism. The values that our masses fought for in 1971 have been taught anew by our 'Generation G' many years later. We saw this in the language movement of 1952 when Bengali was established as the mother tongue.
This 'monsoon coup' of Bangladesh will inspire people in different parts of the world to stand for freedom and justice in the coming days. I therefore call upon the world community to re-engage with our new Bangladesh to make our liberation and democratic aspirations a reality.'
He said that our youth and the vast masses of the country have agreed to entrust me and my advisory council with a great responsibility of running the government for the reconstruction of the state structure that has become miserable. After assuming office, we see face to face with deep astonishment and dismay how rampant corruption has reduced a functioning democratic system to rubble, how key institutions of the state have been locked in a cycle of ruthless partisanship, how people's wealth has been ruthlessly looted, how a special interest group has controlled all businesses. -The wealth of the country has been freely smuggled abroad by taking trade unfairly into their own hands. In short, how justice, ethics and morality disappeared at every stage.
In such a situation, we have been entrusted with the task of reorganizing the country and returning the desired state system to the people. Right now, our main goal is to correct the mistakes of the past and build a competitive and strong economy and a just society.'
The chief adviser of the interim government said that in the current changed situation, all political parties are now able to express their views freely. Individuals or organizations involved in government work and decision-making processes holding everyone accountable is our priority. We are committed to upholding and protecting the fundamental rights of people. It is our aim that the people of our country will speak freely, assemble without fear, vote and elect the person of their choice. We are also committed to preserving the independence of the judiciary and consolidating media freedom, including in the cyber domain.
He said that our government is determined to uphold all the international, regional and bilateral agreements that Bangladesh is a party to. Bangladesh will continue to actively participate and contribute to multilateral world structures including the United Nations. Bangladesh is interested in maintaining friendly relations with all countries of the world on the basis of mutual respect, dignity and preservation of interests.
He further said that in just seven weeks, our government has taken various important steps. In response to our request, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights has swiftly dispatched a fact-finding mission to Bangladesh to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the human rights violations committed during the mass protests in Bangladesh and to provide advice on how to prevent recurrence. I thank him very much.
'Within two weeks of assuming office, we acceded to the International Convention on the Prevention of Disappearances. Necessary domestic laws and regulations for its immediate implementation are currently under process.'
"A commission of inquiry is currently working to investigate all the allegations of disappearances in Bangladesh over the past decade and a half."
Dr. Yunus said, "We are prioritizing reforms in some specific sectors to restore people's trust and confidence and prevent the brutal past from returning." For that purpose, we have formed an independent commission to reform the existing electoral system, constitution, judicial system, public administration, law and order system. Commissions are in the process of being formed on several other issues, including a separate commission for reforming newspapers and media.
'We have taken the initiative of comprehensive reform of the banking and financial sector with the aim of creating a favorable environment for business and commerce. We are also determined to ensure that no foreign business or investment is harmed. We are working to ensure that these reforms are sustainable in the long term and to create an environment conducive to free, fair and participatory elections.
He said, I call on the international community to extend and deepen its support and cooperation to Bangladesh in realizing its intention to emerge as a just and inclusive democratic society through the achievement of democracy, rule of law, equality and prosperity. So that even a child of our farmer or laborer can reach the highest peak of the society, instead of building huge infrastructure, we are emphasizing on increasing allocation in health and education sector. Our aim is to bring back good governance at all levels of the state system.
Dr. Muhammad Yunus said that our government is determined to uphold all the international, regional and bilateral agreements that Bangladesh is a party to. Bangladesh will continue to actively participate and contribute to multilateral world structures including the United Nations. Our government has taken several important steps in just seven weeks to maintain friendly relations with all countries of the world on the basis of mutual respect, dignity and interests of Bangladesh.
He said, in response to our request, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights has quickly sent a fact-finding mission to Bangladesh to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the human rights violations committed during the mass movement in Bangladesh and to provide advice on how to prevent the recurrence of these incidents. I thank him very much.
'Within two weeks of assuming office, we acceded to the International Convention on the Prevention of Disappearances. The formulation of necessary domestic laws and regulations for its immediate implementation is currently under process. An inquiry commission is currently working to investigate all the allegations of disappearances in Bangladesh in the last decade and a half.
Dr. Yunus said, "We are prioritizing reforms in certain sectors to restore people's trust and confidence and prevent the brutal past from returning." For that purpose, we have formed an independent commission to reform the existing electoral system, constitution, judicial system, public administration, law and order system. Commissions are in the process of being formed on several other issues, including a separate commission for reforming newspapers and media.
He said, with the aim of creating a favorable environment for business and commerce, we have taken the initiative of extensive reforms in the banking and financial sector. We are also determined to ensure that no foreign business or investment is harmed. We are working to ensure that these reforms are sustainable in the long term and to create an environment conducive to free, fair and participatory elections.
"I call for wider and deeper support and cooperation from the international community to Bangladesh in realizing its intention to emerge as a just and inclusive democratic society through the achievement of democracy, rule of law, equality and prosperity."
Bangladesh believes that peacekeeping and conflict resolution are key drivers for ensuring people's prosperity. Our brave armed forces have once again stood firmly by the people's desire for liberation during the most difficult period of our history during the recent revolution proved their commitment to peace.
This has been made possible by placing human rights at the heart of our commitment to peace. Since the inception of the United Nations Peace Building Commission, Bangladesh has expressed equal commitment to peace building as well as peace keeping. In the days ahead, we are determined to continue to uphold and expand our value-based contribution to UN peacekeeping operations.
As the fourth largest contributor to UN peacekeeping operations, Bangladesh has so far sent peacekeepers to 63 (sixty-three) missions in 43 (forty-three) countries. From Bosnia to Congo, 168 (one hundred and sixty eight) Bangladeshi peacekeepers sacrificed their lives while serving in these missions in different parts of the world. We hope that the members of the Bangladesh Defense Forces will have the opportunity to contribute in the same way in the future peacekeeping operations of the United Nations, despite the various adversities. We all need to get global priorities right in this world.
Regarding climate change, he said, it is a threat to the existence of all of us. This summer's record-breaking heatwave has given us a stark reminder of climate change. What we need is climate justice, to hold those responsible for irresponsible decisions, careless behavior, or the harm they cause. The long-term effects of climate-change are causing irreparable damage. We are losing biodiversity, changing pathogens are causing new diseases, increasing pressure on agriculture, diminishing water resources are threatening our livability, rising sea levels and salinity are constantly damaging our ecosystems. The damage caused by the increase in the number and intensity of cyclones cannot be ignored. Smallholder farmers and marginal livelihood seekers are the most exposed to climate change risks. As I speak at this world meeting today, more than half a million people in eastern Bangladesh are facing the worst floods of their lifetime.
Secretary-General Guterres has shown us that the global average temperature is on track to increase by 2.7 (two decimal seven) degrees Celsius if current trends continue. Therefore, I am calling for massive investment in adaptation in climate-vulnerable countries like Bangladesh. Also, it is crucial to implement the Loss and Damage Fund through the application of innovative energy and additional funding.
Similarly, we need technology availability and capacity building. Specifically, we need life-saving technologies, especially in the agriculture, water and public health sectors, where small-scale innovations and solutions can protect vulnerable populations.
We must work simultaneously to tackle the climate crisis and consolidate the global economy. The global community is now focusing on building a carbon-free world. To make the majority of the world's people the beneficiaries of such a change, countries like Bangladesh must be taken on board to equally meet the goal of a net-zero world. Otherwise, we will fall behind in fulfilling our universal commitment to achieve 'mutual prosperity' through 'mutual responsibility'.
In this regard, I believe that the whole world can together consider the concept of 'Three-Zero', through which we can achieve zero poverty, zero unemployment and zero net carbon emissions where every young person in the world will have the opportunity to establish himself as an entrepreneur rather than a job seeker. They can develop their own creativity despite resource constraints, where a business venture can focus on striking a fine balance between social benefit, economic profit and responsibility towards nature, where through social business anyone can move from a consumerist lifestyle to a creative social and economic change. You can establish yourself as a force.
At this time, there is a need for new vision, new values and new unity among all developed and developing countries and various partners. Overall, the UN system, governments at national and regional levels, all businesses, non-governmental actors (NGOs) and charities must work together to achieve this goal. Integrating social business into our economic fabric can make a huge difference in the lives of the bottom half. This action can also successfully prevent the destructive pace of climate change through conventional market systems. I draw the attention of Secretary-General Guterres to this matter.
In today's world plagued by multifaceted crises, war and conflict are eroding human rights on a massive scale.
Despite the concern and condemnation of the world, the genocide in Gaza does not stop. The existing reality of Palestine is not only a concern for Arabs or Muslims, but it is a concern for the entire mankind. The life of every Palestinian as a human being is priceless. All concerned must be held accountable for the crimes against humanity committed against the Palestinian people. Bangladesh is calling for an immediate and complete ceasefire to save the world from the ongoing atrocities on the people of Palestine, especially women and children. The Two State Solution is the middle can bring sustainable peace in the East, so the international community, including the United Nations, must take initiatives for its implementation now.
Over the past two and a half years, many people have lost their lives in the ongoing war in Ukraine. The impact of this war is universal. Its impact is felt even in the economy of Bangladesh. We therefore call on both sides to resolve the conflict through dialogue and an end to the war.
Bangladesh has been sheltering more than 12 (twelve) lakh Rohingyas from Myanmar for humanitarian reasons for the past seven years. As a result, we are facing huge socio-economic-environmental losses. The crisis stemming from Myanmar's internal problems has posed both conventional and non-conventional security risks to Bangladesh and our region.
We are committed to helping Rohingya forcibly displaced from Myanmar to Bangladesh. We seek continued adequate support from the international community to continue humanitarian assistance programs for the Rohingya and ensure their sustainable repatriation. It is equally important to ensure justice through ongoing prosecutions at the International Court of Justice and the International Criminal Court for the widespread human rights violations committed against the Rohingya.
The consistent efforts of the United Nations and other international organizations to create a favorable environment for the Rohingyas to lead a free and dignified life in their own country deserve praise. For this purpose, it is necessary to facilitate the way for the Rohingyas to return to their homeland Rakhine with adequate security and rights. Keeping in view the ever-changing situation in Myanmar, Bangladesh is ready to work together with the international community to create an environment for the dignified and sustainable repatriation of the Rohingyas to their country.
Without political liberation and social and economic awakening, it is not possible to achieve success in ensuring peace and security. Muhammad Yunus said, about a decade ago, the world community unanimously formulated Agenda 2030. We have all committed our collective aspiration and faith to the achievement of these universal Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Moreover, only less than fifteen percent of the targets have been achieved. Clearly, many developing countries are lagging behind.
Developing countries face a shortfall in SDG financing equivalent to approximately 2.5 (two and a half) to 4 (four) trillion US dollars annually. Countries like Bangladesh are at greater risk due to the developing world's debt burden, shrinking fiscal space and the damaging effects of climate change. We hope that such complex and systemic challenges will be addressed in the 4th International Conference on Financing for Development. Multilateral financial institutions should work towards a common goal so that all states have equal access to resources and opportunities; They can give social business an important role in their programs; in order to specifically address the realities of low-income countries; which stimulates business ventures and individual creativity and which particularly helps disadvantaged groups.
In this regard, it is essential to stop the flow of illegal money and the laundering of resources from developing countries. International cooperation should be strengthened to bring back the wealth that has been smuggled out of developing countries. We hope that the International Tax Convention to prevent tax evasion will be adopted soon.
In the highly connected world we live in, immigration and the free flow of people are an inextricable reality. Bangladeshi citizens are constantly going as migrants to different countries. At the moment there are about one and a half million expatriate Bangladeshis in different parts of the world.
The global community must facilitate safe, orderly, regular and dignified migration to ensure the benefits of migration for all. The international community must ensure the human rights of migrants and their humane treatment. Bangladesh is committed to the full implementation of the Global Compact on Migration adopted in 2018; and at the same time we are determined to prevent unsafe migration.
Every year about twenty five lakh youth are joining the labor market of Bangladesh. Almost two-thirds of Bangladesh's huge workforce is youth. Building this manpower is a challenge for Bangladesh now and for the future.
In the ever-changing world of work, a young person must constantly acquire new skills; And learn to adapt to the work environment. That is why we are putting special emphasis on education and access to technical assistance as Bangladesh evolves into a middle-income country.
Bangladesh is particularly interested in the incredible development of artificial intelligence and its multidimensional applications. Our young society is excited about the possibilities of Generative Artificial Intelligence. As a global citizen, they also want to engage in the new world, to develop themselves as workers. The global community needs to ensure that a country with a large youth population like Bangladesh does not fall behind in the benefits gained through the application of artificial intelligence. At the same time, it must be ensured that artificial intelligence does not crowd out human needs in the workplace.
In this context I mention that we are scientific about Autonomous Intelligence i.e. artificial intelligence that can extend its own artificial intelligence without any human intervention. I would like to draw attention to the fact that before proceeding in this matter, they should be sure about its effect on people. We think Autonomous Intelligence can endanger human existence.
What we really need is a new type of cooperation framework, where global business and knowledge groups can better understand people's needs. Through international cooperation, a transformative system must be created for developing countries, which will ensure immediate solutions for employment, socio-economic disadvantages or livelihoods.
We must harness the potential, innovative power and prosperity of all by pooling our efforts, capabilities and resources. The challenges we constantly face in terms of socio-economic development and climate resilience must be met through collective action.
I believe that South-South and triangular cooperation can be particularly helpful in this regard given the unique economic and social context of countries in the Global South. Collective action is needed to amplify the voices of the Global South globally. Therefore, the views of the countries of the Global South must be given due weight to ensure the formulation and implementation of the global agenda.
In the experience of the Covid pandemic, we have seen how important massive investments in public health can be.
Bangladesh is providing leadership in the ongoing negotiations of the Global Epidemic Agreement at the World Health Organization (WHO). We want effective international cooperation, funding of public health systems, technology transfer, research and development, diversification of production of medical trials-vaccines-therapeutics and consensus on declaring all vaccines free of Intellectual Property Rights.
These factors are also very important in the fight against non-communicable diseases. This year we are celebrating the golden jubilee of Bangladesh's partnership with the United Nations.
The last fifty years have been a mutually educational, collective journey for us. In limited ways, Bangladesh has consistently contributed to global peace and security, justice, equality, human rights, social progress and prosperity. Our concerted effort is to build a truly rules-based global system.
As an example in this context, I recall the resolution adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on microcredit in 1999. At that time, the United Nations declared 2005 as the Year of Microcredit. As a result, microfinance had the opportunity to expand globally. At the same time, Friends of Microcredit was formed under the initiative of Bangladesh. Since 2001, the General Assembly's annual resolution on Culture of Peace or the Security Council's Resolution 1325 (thirteen twenty-five) on 'Women, Peace and Security' (WPS) is a reflection and contribution of Bangladesh's global initiatives.
Today, in the presence of world leaders at this great World Assembly, there is a resounding call to ensure the inclusion of all through the establishment of peace, security and justice and equitable distribution of resources. Each of us as Member States must now deeply consider how we can ensure equal opportunities and empowerment for women, men, and everyone in entrepreneurship today and in the days to come. We all have sufficient capabilities, resources and means to resolve all global issues ultimately cleared by the HCAO as of 21 September 1650 hours. Let us implement the promises we have made nationally or internationally; And work together to end all forms of discrimination and inequality by establishing the concept of social business in the economic sphere. The youth of Bangladesh have proved that the intention to uphold the freedom, dignity and rights of people is not an ambition. Rather, it is guaranteed by all. In your presence at this great gathering today, Bangladesh is assuring that it will continue to strengthen its role at the international, regional and national levels to ensure peace, prosperity and justice.
