New York, Sep 27 (V7N) – Former presidents, prime ministers, and senior global leaders met with Chief Advisor to the Interim Government, Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus, on Friday on the sidelines of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly. The high-level group expressed full support for the interim government and pledged to provide guidance and assistance during this critical time for Bangladesh.

The meeting took place at Dr. Yunus’ hotel suite in New York and was led by Vaira V.K.-Freiberga, former President of Latvia and Vice-President of the Nizami Ganjavi International Center (NGIC), named after the renowned 11th-century Persian poet.

The delegation included former heads of state and government from Europe, the Balkans, and Africa, including Borut Pahor (Slovenia), Boris Tadic (Serbia), Egils Levits (Latvia), Charles Michel (Belgium), George Papandreou (Greece), Rosen Plevneliev and Petar Stoyanov (Bulgaria), Ivo Josipovic (Croatia), Mladen Ivanic (Bosnia-Herzegovina), and Amina Gurib-Fakim (Mauritius).

Also present were former Commonwealth Secretary-General, former UN General Assembly Presidents, former Foreign Ministers, Ismail Serageldin (NGIC Vice-President), Kerry Kennedy (President, Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights), and senior representatives from IAEA and Georgetown Institute for Women, Peace and Security.

The leaders praised Professor Yunus for his leadership and lifelong commitment to poverty eradication, social justice, and human rights, and expressed solidarity with the people of Bangladesh. “We are here to support you and the people of Bangladesh. We stand with you,” they said.

They highlighted the significant progress achieved under Dr. Yunus’ guidance in recent years but noted that the country faces major challenges due to 16 years of corruption, exploitation, and misrule. Several leaders assured the interim government of support in reconstruction and economic recovery efforts.

Kerry Kennedy praised Bangladesh’s achievements in human rights, while Melanie Vervier of Georgetown Institute announced forthcoming support for the July Revolution. NGIC Vice-President Ismail Serageldin assured, “We are here if you need us.”

Professor Yunus expressed deep gratitude for the support, describing the experience as “completely unexpected” and “overwhelming.” He compared Bangladesh’s situation to recovering from a magnitude 9 earthquake over the past 16 years and emphasized the urgent need to meet the people’s expectations.

He called on the international community to support Bangladesh’s upcoming national elections, noting that advice, moral support, and assistance from global partners are crucial to fulfilling the aspirations of the nation’s youth.

END/SMA/AJ