Bangladesh’s Chief Advisor, Professor Muhammad Yunus, held a meeting with Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo in New York on Tuesday (23 September). The two leaders discussed Bangladesh’s political landscape, upcoming general elections, ongoing reforms under the interim government, sports and social business opportunities at the Olympics, and pressing global humanitarian crises, including the Rohingya refugee issue, reports BSS.
Highlighting Bangladesh’s democratic transition, Professor Yunus said the next general election, scheduled for early February, will not be just another election but “the beginning of a new era for democracy in the country.” He stressed that the February election will be a foundational moment shaping Bangladesh’s democratic future.
Professor Yunus, who played a key role in transforming the Paris 2024 Olympics into a platform for social business, also emphasized the importance of making all future Olympics—particularly the upcoming Los Angeles Games—carbon neutral.
Mayor Hidalgo expressed her full confidence in Professor Yunus’s leadership during this critical time. “I deeply respect your leadership. You have done extraordinary work, and your commitment stands as a unique example for humanity,” she said.
Both leaders underscored the urgent need to increase funding for Rohingya refugees, particularly for the over one million people living in camps in southeastern Bangladesh. Mayor Hidalgo expressed hope that one day the Rohingya people will be able to return safely and with dignity to their homeland in Myanmar.
Professor Yunus noted that the United Nations will host an international conference on the Rohingya crisis next week to reinvigorate global attention and seek a sustainable solution. He also extended a cordial invitation to Mayor Hidalgo to visit Bangladesh at a convenient time, aiming to further strengthen humanitarian and social business cooperation between the two nations.
SDG Chief Coordinator Lamia Morshed was also present at the meeting.
