Tue Sep 23 18:21:32 UTC 2025: **Summary:**

Muhammad Yunus, Chief Adviser to the interim government of Bangladesh, met with Sergio Gor, the U.S. Ambassador-Designate for India and Special Envoy for South and Central Asia, during the UNGA session. They discussed the upcoming elections in Bangladesh, efforts to revive SAARC, strengthening economic ties with Nepal, Bhutan, and Northeast India, the Rohingya crisis, and Bangladesh’s interest in joining ASEAN. Yunus emphasized the importance of regional cooperation for economic growth and sought continued U.S. support for Rohingya refugees.

**News Article:**

**Bangladesh Seeks Stronger Regional Ties, Revival of SAARC, as Elections Loom**

**NEW DELHI, September 23, 2025** – Muhammad Yunus, Chief Adviser to Bangladesh’s interim government, has signaled a renewed focus on regional cooperation and economic integration as the nation prepares for elections in February 2026. During a meeting with Sergio Gor, U.S. Ambassador-Designate for India and Special Envoy for South and Central Asia, on the sidelines of the UNGA, Yunus outlined Dhaka’s efforts to revive the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) and pursue closer economic ties with neighboring countries.

“We can accelerate our economic growth through closer regional cooperation,” Yunus stated, emphasizing the importance of strengthening economic links with landlocked Nepal and Bhutan, as well as the seven Northeastern states of India. He previously advocated for closer economic ties between China and South Asia during a visit to China.

Yunus assured Gor that the upcoming elections would be “free, fair, and peaceful” and that the country was fully prepared. Discussions also covered the Rohingya crisis, with Yunus seeking continued U.S. support for the over one million Rohingya refugees residing in camps in Cox’s Bazar. U.S. officials reaffirmed their commitment to providing life-saving aid.

Furthermore, Yunus expressed Bangladesh’s interest in joining the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), highlighting the potential for significant economic development through integration with Southeast Asian economies.

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