Bangladesh set for most transparent election: Yunus tells world leaders

Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus has pledged that the upcoming general election, expected in early February, will be among the most transparent and credible in the nation’s history. He assured the international community that his caretaker government is making every effort to guarantee a fair, peaceful, and inclusive vote.

Speaking on the sidelines of the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, Yunus underscored the importance of global oversight. He said Dhaka is eager to welcome international observers to strengthen public confidence in the electoral process and to demonstrate Bangladesh’s democratic commitment on the world stage.
During a packed day of diplomacy, Yunus held meetings with several global leaders, including Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Queen Máxima of the Netherlands, World Health Organization (WHO) chief Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Chile’s former President Michelle Bachelet, and Uruguay’s Foreign Minister Omar Paganini.
A brief but meaningful exchange took place with Albanese after the UNGA’s opening session. According to Yunus’s press secretary, their conversation touched on political reforms being implemented by the interim government, preparations for the election, and the growing Bangladeshi diaspora in Australia. Albanese warmly noted the contributions of Bangladeshi migrants, recalling his attendance at an International Mother Language Day commemoration on February 21—a date deeply rooted in Bangladesh’s history.
Yunus later sat down with Queen Máxima, who also serves as the UN Secretary-General’s Special Advocate for Inclusive Finance for Development. Their dialogue revolved around expanding access to affordable health insurance, especially in developing countries. The Chief Adviser extended an invitation for her to visit Bangladesh, with Princess Catharina-Amalia, the Princess of Orange, also present at the meeting.
Health cooperation was another focal point of the day. In talks with WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros, Yunus explored pressing global health challenges, highlighting areas where Bangladesh seeks stronger collaboration.
Beyond bilateral engagements, Yunus also joined two high-profile events—one dedicated to “Fashion for Development,” spotlighting sustainability and ethical practices in the fashion industry, and another on fostering collaboration between the public and private sectors to drive social innovation.