The Chief Advisor of <a title="Bangladesh" href="https://www.benefitnews24.com/international/china-pak-bangladesh-axis-fuels-fresh-challenge/14747" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Bangladesh's</a> interim government, Muhammad Yunus, has sought support from the United States for the country's democratic transition and reaffirmed that elections will be held &ldquo;in the early part of next year&rdquo;, during his conversation with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
In a telephone conversation on Monday, Rubio and Yunus discussed the ongoing reform process, the transition to democracy, the forthcoming general election, and aid for Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh.
Yunus assured Rubio that the continuing dialogue between his government and political parties would lead to much-needed reforms of the nation's political system.
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&ldquo;The 15-minute discussion was warm, cordial, and constructive, reflecting the strong bilateral engagement between the two nations. Secretary Rubio expressed support for Bangladesh&rsquo;s reform agenda and its move to hold elections early next year,&rdquo; the Chief Advisor posted on X.
&ldquo;The Election Commission is working hard to reorganise the electoral system, which was destroyed by the previous government. Our young people will vote for the first time in their lives,&rdquo; said Yunus.
Commending Washington for its continued generous support to Rohingya refugees, Yunus added: &ldquo;The prospect for a viable solution and the repatriation of Rohingyas back to Myanmar is now better than ever before, and Bangladesh is working on that.&rdquo;
Yunus noted that the two leaders also touched upon geopolitical matters, including the need for a stable and peaceful Indo-Pacific region, and Bangladesh&rsquo;s relations with its neighbours.
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The Chief Advisor invited Secretary Rubio to visit Bangladesh ahead of the general election to witness the country&rsquo;s transition to democracy firsthand, stating: &ldquo;It will inspire our young people.&rdquo;
Tammy Bruce, spokesperson for the US Department of State, speaking on Rubio&rsquo;s conversation with Yunus, said: &ldquo;The Secretary and Chief Advisor affirmed their shared commitment to deepening economic ties between the United States and Bangladesh and to enhancing security and stability throughout the Indo-Pacific region.&rdquo;
Several international organisations have repeatedly called for the restoration of democratic order in Bangladesh, along with inclusive and fair elections.
Last week, Michael Miller, the European Union&rsquo;s Ambassador to Bangladesh, expressed hope that the country would soon witness the restoration of democratic order through a free, fair, and credible national election.
Recently, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker T&uuml;rk expressed grave concern over legislative amendments made under the Yunus-led interim government that allow for the banning of political parties, organisations, and their activities.
Addressing the 59th session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva, the UN human rights chief urged the interim government to make meaningful progress on reforms to create an environment conducive to free and inclusive elections.
Earlier, UN Secretary-General Ant&oacute;nio Guterres also called for inclusive elections in Bangladesh, urging the interim government under Yunus &ldquo;to continue to make every effort&rdquo; to be inclusive, taking into account the voices of women and youth, as well as those of minority and indigenous communities.
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[Except for the headline, this article has not been edited by the Benefit News editorial team and is published directly from the IANS news feed.]
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Muhammad Yunus, Chief Advisor of Bangladesh's interim government

Bangladesh’s interim leader assures US of reforms, polls and Rohingya repatriation efforts

Yunus Seeks US Backing for Bangladesh Elections

Bangladesh’s interim leader assures US of reforms, polls and Rohingya repatriation efforts

July 1, 2025 | 09:58 IST