Mohammad Yunus, the leader of Bangladesh’s interim government, has called for a global mechanism to be implemented by affluent countries. This mechanism aims to prevent the illicit transfer of funds from poorer nations and ensure their repatriation. Yunus believes the current financial framework is inadequate in preventing this financial drain. He delivered his address during the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) held in New York.
During his UNGA speech, Yunus accused numerous developed countries and financial institutions of assisting in the concealment of stolen assets from impoverished nations. He urged these nations to return the embezzled funds, which he described as belonging to the working class and the general public. Yunus highlighted that corruption has resulted in the illicit outflow of billions of dollars over the last 15 years.
He underscored that retrieving this money is a key objective for the government, but it is a task that necessitates international collaboration. Yunus also pointed out that the August 2024 popular movement signaled a fresh start for democracy. The government has pledged to pursue reforms regardless of the election outcomes. Bangladesh’s elections are planned to occur by February of the following year.
Furthermore, Yunus addressed the Rohingya refugee situation. He mentioned that his government is working towards bolstering workers’ rights and enacting laws related to those who have been forcibly disappeared. Additionally, he appealed for the safety of migrant workers. Regarding the Rohingya crisis, Yunus cautioned that the violence in Myanmar is endangering the whole region. He called for the Rohingya’s equal rights and urged the international community to pressure Myanmar.
Yunus expressed his grief over the fatalities in Gaza, referring to the deaths of children and destruction of hospitals there as a form of ongoing genocide. He also advocated for a two-state solution, where Palestine achieves its sovereignty and East Jerusalem becomes its capital.