Dhaka //

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has expressed concern about spreading false information targeting Bangladesh, said Foreign Affairs Advisor Md. Towhid Hossain.

At a joint press conference with the UN Secretary-General at the capital’s Hotel Intercontinental on Saturday, he told reporters that his (Guterres’) visit will build a positive and strong image of the country against misinformation and disinformation campaigns and attempts to destabilize Bangladesh.

The UN Secretary-General also spoke to reporters at the briefing.

Advisor Hossain said he acknowledged the complexity of the reform process for free and fair elections and ‘genuine transformation’ of Bangladesh.

He said the UN Secretary-General has pledged the full commitment of the UN to the reform process under the leadership of Chief Advisor Dr. Muhammad Yunus.

Hossain said he (Guterres) will do everything he can to support the efforts of the interim government and stand by Bangladesh and its people.

He said the UN Secretary-General’s assurance of support will be instrumental in Bangladesh’s successful reform process and transition to democracy, in line with the shared aspirations of the people of Bangladesh.

Hossain said the Secretary-General has attended three meetings with youth, civil society and members of the Reform Commission to understand the aspirations of the people for the future of Bangladesh.

The advisor added that the contributions of these groups are paving the way for the July Charter, the country’s plan for democratic transition, and implementing reforms in the political, judicial, electoral, administrative, anti-corruption and police sectors.

Hossain said the UNSG’s Ramadan Solidarity Visit is being held on the 50th anniversary of Bangladesh’s membership in the UN, which is a historic moment for both Bangladesh and the UN.

He said, the Secretary-General himself is witnessing the formative phase of the new Bangladesh, in the wake of the supreme sacrifices of the July-August mass uprising in the aspiration for a just, democratic and inclusive society.

Hossain said, during his visit, the Secretary-General visited the Rohingya camps in Cox’s Bazar yesterday and expressed full solidarity with the forcibly displaced people and pledged to work towards their repatriation to Myanmar with dignity, safety and rights.

Guterres met with Rohingya children and youth in the camps, observing how they are preparing themselves for survival through multi-skills and training, and creating learning opportunities for a dignified return to their homeland.

The UN Secretary-General held a unique historic solidarity iftar with more than 100,000 Rohingya people, including the Chief Adviser.

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