Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus is set to deliver Bangladesh’s national statement at the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on Friday afternoon (local time in New York), presenting the country’s position on a range of global and national issues amid growing international attention.

His speech is expected at around 2pm NY time, according to a senior official.

During his address, Prof Yunus will outline Bangladesh’s commitment to democratic reforms, highlight the upcoming national election scheduled for February 2026, and reaffirm the government’s pledge to ensure a “free, fair, peaceful and credible” electoral process.

“This will be a foundational election for Bangladesh,” said the Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam. “People will be able to exercise their voting rights peacefully. This message will be conveyed to the international community.”

Held under the theme Better together: 80 years and more for peace, development and human rights, this year’s General Debate, taking place from September 23–27 and on September 29, comes amid global crises and urgent calls for collective action. Heads of state and government from around the world are delivering national statements from the iconic UNGA podium in New York.

Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain said Prof Yunus will emphasize the progress made by the interim government over the past 14 months, its reform agenda, and Bangladesh’s commitment to democracy. The speech will also address pressing global issues such as climate change and justice, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), peacekeeping, safe migration, illicit financial flows, and the ethical use of artificial intelligence.

The Rohingya crisis will be a key focus. Prof Yunus is expected to urge stronger global action toward a sustainable and dignified solution. His advocacy has already led to the first-ever high-level UN conference on the Rohingya and other minorities in Myanmar, scheduled for September 30. This initiative, originally proposed by Prof Yunus, was unanimously supported by UN member states.

In the lead-up to the conference, Bangladesh hosted a “Partners’ Dialogue” in Cox’s Bazar last month, bringing together Rohingya leaders and international stakeholders.

“This unprecedented high-level meeting, combined with UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ visit to Bangladesh earlier this year, demonstrates that despite multiple global crises, the Rohingya issue remains firmly on the international agenda,” said Adviser Touhid Hossain.

Prof Yunus began his UNGA visit on September 22. In his speech, he is also expected to share personal reflections and messages aimed at world leaders, focusing on global solidarity and the need for lasting peace, including a call for a ceasefire in Palestine.

“The UNGA session offers Bangladesh a vital opportunity to present its reform process, democratic transition, and national priorities to the international community,” Hossain added.

Prof Yunus will focus on three pillars during his address—reform, justice, and elections—while highlighting the challenges Bangladesh continues to face in advancing democratic governance.