Chief Adviser Yunus UNGA address on Friday, September 26, 2025, at the United Nations headquarters in New York, urged recipient countries to return stolen goods siphoned from Bangladesh through corruption over the past 15 years, emphasising the need for political commitment to overcome legal hurdles and recover billions in illicit assets.
The Yunus UNGA address spotlights the pervasive issue of illicit financial flows that drain resources from South Asian nations, exacerbating poverty and inequality. By urging return of stolen goods, it could galvanise regional efforts towards financial transparency and economic recovery, fostering stability amid ongoing political transitions in Bangladesh and beyond.
Yunus UNGA Address Calls for Global Accountability
In his address to the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly, Professor Yunus outlined Bangladesh’s commitment to democratic reforms following the July 2024 uprising that ousted the previous regime. He positioned the recovery of stolen assets as a cornerstone of the interim government’s agenda, noting that such efforts are essential for rebuilding public trust and economic resilience.
Professor Yunus stressed that the scale of corruption has seen billions of dollars laundered abroad, impacting ordinary citizens who bear the brunt of economic hardship. A high-level joint task force, established by the interim administration, is actively investigating 11 priority cases of embezzlement and money laundering. Preliminary assessments indicate that funds have been traced to jurisdictions including the US, UK, Canada, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Hong Kong, and various offshore centres.
The Yunus UNGA address also touched on broader themes of youth empowerment and women’s inclusion, crediting the “July Revolution” – led by students – for inspiring irreversible changes. However, the core message on financial justice resonated strongly, as Professor Yunus criticised systemic failures that enable such outflows.
Urges Return of Stolen Goods in Strong Terms
At the heart of the Yunus UNGA address was a direct appeal to nations harbouring illicit wealth. Professor Yunus stated: “Countries and institutions that shelter stolen assets must return the wealth to its rightful owners, the farmers, the workers and the ordinary taxpayers.”
This plea underscores the human cost of corruption, with stolen goods depriving essential services and development projects. He further remarked: “Without sincere political commitment from the countries concerned we will not be able to recover these assets.” The interim leader highlighted legal obstacles in recipient countries that have stalled repatriation, calling for streamlined processes to facilitate the return of stolen goods.
Professor Yunus urged the international community to adopt robust regulations against resource plunder. He proposed coordinated measures, including an inclusive framework for tax cooperation and enhanced collaboration to combat illicit flows. According to official records from the Bangladesh government, the task force is engaging agencies in the identified jurisdictions to expedite tracing and recovery efforts.
The Yunus UNGA address aligns with recent bilateral discussions, such as Professor Yunus’s meeting with World Bank President Ajay Banga on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, where he sought institutional support for retrieving stolen funds and modernising infrastructure like Chittagong Port.
Scrutiny of the Global Financial System
Professor Yunus did not spare the international financial architecture in his Yunus UNGA address. He declared: “The global financial system has failed to prevent the illicit transfer of resources from developing nations.” In some instances, he noted, rules from international financial institutions have inadvertently facilitated the flow of illegal money into tax havens.
This critique extends to calls for reforming decision-making in bodies like the World Bank and International Monetary Fund, ensuring greater representation for developing economies. The address also linked financial justice to climate action, with Bangladesh – a low-emitter vulnerable to rising seas – demanding fulfilment of commitments from high-emitting nations.
On the Rohingya crisis, Professor Yunus reiterated the need for sustained support, warning that Myanmar’s instability threatens regional peace. He advocated for a two-state solution in Palestine and renewed multilateralism to address migration and unemployment.
Background
Bangladesh’s interim government, formed after the mass protests of July 2024, has prioritised anti-corruption drives as part of 24 self-initiated reforms. Independent commissions, including the National Consensus Commission, are overseeing transitions towards elections slated for February 2026. The Yunus UNGA address marks his second appearance at the assembly since assuming office on August 8, 2024, building on themes of inclusion and accountability.
What’s Next
The task force’s investigations could yield breakthroughs in the coming months, potentially leading to bilateral agreements for the return of stolen goods. International responses, including from the UN and financial institutions, will be crucial in translating the Yunus UNGA address into tangible action, with Bangladesh monitoring progress through diplomatic channels.
As Bangladesh navigates its reform pathway, the Yunus UNGA address stands as a pivotal moment, reinforcing the urgent call to urging return of stolen goods and fostering a fairer global order.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, September 27th, 2025
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