New York, Sep 23 (V7N) – Chief Advisor Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus has said that the upcoming February general elections will mark the beginning of a new era for democracy in Bangladesh.

He made the remarks during a meeting with Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo at his New York hotel on Tuesday, according to a press statement from the Chief Advisor’s office.

The two leaders discussed the upcoming national elections, the interim government’s reform initiatives, the role of social business in sports and the Olympics, and the global refugee crisis, with special focus on the Rohingya humanitarian situation.

Highlighting his contribution to making the Paris 2024 Olympics one of the world’s largest social business events, Dr. Yunus stressed that all future Olympics, including the Los Angeles Games, must be carbon-neutral.

On Bangladesh’s political future, he reaffirmed that the next general elections will be held in the first half of February 2026, describing them as a “foundational election” that will strengthen democratic transformation.

Mayor Hidalgo praised Dr. Yunus’ leadership during this critical period, saying: “I appreciate your leadership. You have done a remarkable job.”

Both leaders underscored the need to increase international funding for humanitarian aid to the more than one million Rohingya refugees in Cox’s Bazar. Mayor Hidalgo emphasized improving the quality of life in refugee camps worldwide and expressed hope that the Rohingya would one day return to Myanmar “in safety and dignity.”

Dr. Yunus added that the United Nations will convene a major international conference on the Rohingya crisis next week, aiming to refocus global attention on one of the most serious refugee challenges in recent decades.

He also extended an invitation to Mayor Hidalgo to visit Bangladesh at a convenient time. Lamia Morshed, Senior Secretary and SDG Coordinator of the Government of Bangladesh, was present at the meeting.

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