Staff Corresponent

The six commissions of the interim government, formed to reform the state apparatus, will start their works fully after the council of advisers once again holds consultation with political parties.

"The council of the advisers will hold discussion with political parties again and the six commissions will start their works fully," Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam told a press briefing at Foreign Service Academy here.

Replying to a question, he said the council of advisers will start discussion with the political parties soon.

The commissions were supposed to start their works fully from October 1 in 2024.

About Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus' participation in the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), Alam said it was "very successful, historic one and a very positive milestone”.

In his brief four-day stay in New York, he said the chief adviser joined around 50 meetings. Prof Yunus held meetings with at least 12 top global leaders, including US President Joe Biden, he added.

The press secretary said Prof Yunus joined talks with the United Nations (UN) Secretary General António Guterres, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Netherlands Prime Minister Dick Schoof, Foreign Minister of China Wang Yi and President of the European Commission Ursula Von der Leyen, among others, during his stay in New York.

He said it was seen that when the chief adviser came out of any meeting, world top leaders came forward to hug him, while he was given a rock-star reception there.

“All wanted to meet him (Prof Yunus) . . . all of them (who met him) said they support his government and keen to work with the government,” the press secretary said.

Chief Adviser Prof Yunus returned home early hours of Sunday (September 29) wrapping up his four-day USA visit to attend the 79th session of UNGA and other high level side events.

About foreign assistance to Bangladesh, Alam said the World Bank promised to provide US$ 3.5 billion, while the US will provide US$ 199 million for Rohingyas and host community and the European Union will provide 400 million Euro for Bangladesh’s green transition.

He said a team of International Monitory Fund (IMF) is visiting Bangladesh now and once the team reports to the IMF, “We hope we will get additional up to US$ 3.5 billion from the IMF”.

Responding to another query, Alam said the world leaders expressed their full support to the works the interim government has taken to reform the state. The world leaders did not want to know the timeframe for the Bangladesh’s general elections as they know that it will take time to accomplish the tasks that the interim government has taken, Alam added.

He said the people of Bangladesh will decide how long time will be required to complete the tasks of the government.

Alam said Prof Yunus considers the state repair works the biggest opportunity for a new Bangladesh and a noble work. “And he (chief adviser) wants to bring this noble work at proper stage,” he added.