Prof Yunus to Meet Secretaries on Sept 4

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus will convene a meeting with all government secretaries on Wednesday, sources have revealed. A letter has already been sent to all 55 ministries and divisions, notifying them about the meeting. This will be Yunus' first meeting with all secretaries since his interim government was formed on August 8.

Previously, on August 12, Yunus had met with secretaries from 25 ministries. While these meetings typically cover the country's general situation and key government agendas, this upcoming meeting reportedly has a specific agenda.

Sources from the secretariat associated with the meeting informed The Daily Star that since the current government took office, there has been a lack of coordination between the central and field administrations. After the fall of the Hasina-led government, government institutions across the country faced unprecedented attacks.

During the meeting with the secretaries, Yunus is expected to seek advice on restoring administrative normalcy nationwide. He will also provide instructions on his government’s stance on these issues.

Another source mentioned that the government's immediate priorities include maintaining stability and increasing its visibility to the public. However, the unusual circumstances over the past month have hindered progress. The chief adviser is likely using this secretarial meeting to set a tone for more proactive governance.

In addition, the meeting may address issues like financial stability, recovering illegal weapons, and preventing corruption, according to secretariat sources.

Meanwhile, Foreign Adviser Md Touhid Hossain confirmed that Yunus will attend the 79th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) this month, although his stay will be brief, reports UNB. Speaking to reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Hossain mentioned that further discussions with Yunus about his UNGA engagement are expected, though the exact date of his departure has not been finalized.