Mohammad Yunus, leader of Bangladesh’s interim government, speaking at the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, has called for the development of a robust global system to prevent and reverse the transfer of funds from poorer nations. He stated that the current financial framework has failed to stop the outflow of money from developing countries.
Yunus claimed that several developed nations and financial institutions are complicit in concealing assets stolen from impoverished countries. He urged these nations to return the illicitly obtained funds, emphasizing that these funds rightfully belong to the populace, including farmers and laborers. He further stated that corruption has resulted in billions of dollars being diverted in the last fifteen years.
He underscored the importance of retrieving these funds as a core objective of his government, which can only be achieved with international cooperation. Yunus acknowledged the significance of the public movement in August 2024, as a catalyst for a revitalized democratic process. His government is committed to its reform initiatives irrespective of the outcome of the upcoming elections, scheduled for February of the following year.
Additionally, Yunus discussed the Rohingya crisis, detailing his government’s commitment to strengthen labor rights and implement laws concerning those who have been forcibly disappeared. He also advocated for the safety of migrant workers. Regarding the ongoing Rohingya crisis, Yunus noted the precarious situation caused by the violence in Myanmar, which jeopardizes the whole region. He appealed for the Rohingya’s rights and urged international pressure on Myanmar.
Yunus also expressed his sorrow over the deaths in Gaza, describing the situation, including the loss of children and the destruction of hospitals, as a form of ongoing genocide. He proposed a two-state solution which would include a free Palestine with East Jerusalem as its capital.