Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus has urged the international community to adopt and enforce strong global regulations to prevent the plunder of resources from developing countries and to ensure their return when stolen.
The current global financial system has failed to prevent the illicit transfer of resources from developing nations, Yunus said, addressing the general debate of the 80th session of the UN General Assembly in New York yesterday.
In some cases, the very rules of international financial institutions have “enabled” the movement of vast sums of “illegal” money into tax havens around the world.
“I call upon those countries and institutions that shelter such stolen assets: do not be complicit in this crime. Return the wealth to its rightful owners — the farmers, the workers, and the ordinary taxpayers,” he said.
Recovering illicit assets stolen from Bangladesh is now one of the government’s “highest priorities”, Yunus said, adding that in the past 15 years, billions of dollars were siphoned abroad through corruption.
“We are working tirelessly to bring this wealth back. Yet legal process in the countries concerned and different other obstacles are hurting our efforts. Without sincere political commitment from the countries concerned we will not be able recover this asset,” he said.
“We also believe that reform in decision-making and governance in global financial institutions is urgently needed. Equally vital are an inclusive framework for international tax cooperation, coordinated global measures against illicit financial flows and corruption, and stronger international cooperation for the recovery of stolen and illicit assets”, Yunus said.
This is the second time Yunus has addressed the UNGA since taking office following the mass uprising on August 5, 2024. He delivered his speech in Bengali.
He said it was Bangladesh’s youth who defeated tyranny and opened the path to a new journey of building a just and equal society.
“Our goal is clear: to create a democratic order where power is balanced, where no autocrat can ever return, where no elected leader can destroy democracy, and where those who are meant to protect the people can never again prey upon them,” he said.
Describing his government’s reform initiatives, Yunus said that on the first anniversary of the July uprising, “We stood together on one stage and announced the ‘July Declaration’ — a time-bound commitment to reform.”
That commitment means that no matter who wins the next election, the reform process will not stop, will not reverse, and will not be undone.
“Now, as we prepare for national elections in February next year, we remain steadfast in carrying forward reforms that place citizens at the centre,” he said.
He said the government is advancing labour rights reforms in line with its commitments.
Yunus said Bangladesh strongly supports safe, orderly and regular migration. “We call upon all countries that receive migrant workers to ensure empathy and protection for them.”
Bangladesh has acceded to the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance. “We are now drafting the necessary legislation to give full effect to its provisions at the national level.”
To strengthen the transformation from a repressive authoritarian system into a democratic order that protects human rights, Bangladesh has also authorised a three-year mission of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights in Bangladesh.
Highlighting the Rohingya crisis, Yunus said the ongoing conflict in neighbouring Myanmar has created a situation of deep concern for the entire region. It threatens not only regional stability but also the prospects for the safe return of the forcibly displaced Rohingya sheltered in Bangladesh.
Eight years on, the Rohingya crisis continues without any solution in sight. Moreover, Bangladesh faces a slow but regular flow of Rohingya seeking protection.
“There must be a political solution to the problems in Rakhine involving the ethnic stakeholders there so that the Rohingya become part of the Rakhine society with equal rights and as equal citizens,” he said.
The international community, beyond new and enhanced funding for humanitarian assistance, must apply “pressure” on Myanmar or the non-state actor in Rakhine to bring positive changes there and to seek political solutions urgently.
Neighbouring countries must assume their responsibilities.
The standard of living in the camps faces a situation of potential collapse given the funding crunch.
“Nowhere is this tragedy more visible than in Gaza. Children are dying of hunger. Civilians are being killed without distinction. Entire neighbourhoods, including hospitals and schools, are being wiped from the map,” Yunus said.
“We do agree with the UN independent international inquiry commission that we are witnessing a genocide happening live. Unfortunately, on behalf of humanity we are not doing enough to stop it. If this continues, neither future generations nor history will forgive us.
He made a strong appeal: the two-state solution must be implemented now, through the establishment of an independent State of Palestine with East Jerusalem as its capital. Only on the basis of the pre-1967 borders, with Israel and Palestine living side by side in peace, can justice be done.
He also said conflicts have scarred almost every corner of the globe: in Europe, in South Asia, and in the Middle East.
“We live in the most densely populated region of the world. Nowhere else do so many nuclear-armed states exist in such close proximity. That is why we in Bangladesh deeply understand the urgency of disarmament and the prevention of nuclear proliferation.”
“We renew our call for the establishment of nuclear-weapon-free zones, particularly in the Middle East and South Asia. At the same time, we affirm the right of every nation to use nuclear energy peacefully, with full transparency.”
