The leadership of Open Society Foundations held discussions with Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus on Wednesday (29 January), pledging support for the country’s economic recovery, asset retrieval, and critical institutional reforms.
A delegation led by Open Society Chairman Alex Soros and President Binaifer Nowrojee met the chief adviser to express solidarity with the transitional government’s reform efforts, according to a press release.
Soros lauded Yunus for taking the helm at a pivotal juncture in the nation’s history and for implementing measures to rebuild its institutions and economy.
"The student-led mass uprising has presented remarkable opportunities to set a new course for the country," Soros remarked during the meeting.
The discussions encompassed a range of pressing issues, including the July uprising, transitional justice for victims of the struggle, economic reforms, media landscape, recovery of siphoned-off assets, cybersecurity legislation, and the Rohingya crisis.
Soros assured the chief adviser of Open Society’s willingness to collaborate in these areas, stating, "We will explore ways to support your efforts."
Yunus, in turn, urged the Foundation to play a more active role in disseminating news of the unprecedented student-led uprising that led to the fall of the previous regime.
"My visit to Davos made it clear that very few people are aware of the July uprising," he noted. "There is a significant amount of disinformation."
He also sought Open Society’s assistance in asset tracing, highlighting that approximately $234 billion had been siphoned off during Sheikh Hasina’s 16-year rule.
The chief adviser described the economy inherited by the interim government as "devastated and war-torn," stressing the need for international cooperation in the rebuilding process.
While acknowledging the newfound press freedom in Bangladesh, he cautioned against the rampant spread of misinformation and disinformation on social media.
The Open Society delegation also expressed interest in supporting Bangladesh’s smooth transition out of the Least Developed Country (LDC) category, a move welcomed by the chief adviser.
"We must strategise on how to ensure a seamless transition," Yunus emphasised.
