‘Embarrassing and Disappointing’: TIB Condemns Large UNGA Team

Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has sharply criticised the interim government's decision to send an "unusually large" delegation to the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), labelling the move as a disappointing reflection of past authoritarian-era practices.

In a statement issued on Thursday, TIB expressed alarm over the delegation's size and questioned what clear message the government aimed to deliver through such a costly initiative—particularly at a time when public expectations were high for transparency and accountability in governance.

TIB Executive Director Dr. Iftekharuzzaman remarked, “Sending large delegations to international forums like the UNGA was a hallmark of former authoritarian regimes. At times, these delegations exceeded two hundred members.” He added, “It was expected that a government shaped by historic student and people’s movements—one promising reform and good governance—would break away from this wasteful legacy.”

He further pointed out that the government's previous commitments to cut back on unnecessary foreign trips, particularly those funded by public money, had been seriously undermined by this latest decision.

Citing examples, Dr. Iftekharuzzaman explained that while major global powers like the United States, Russia, or China may occasionally send larger delegations due to their expansive global responsibilities, even in those cases, teams exceeding 100 people are rare. In contrast, countries plagued by weak governance—like Nigeria—often send oversized delegations under the pretext of diplomacy, which more accurately resemble “junkets.”

TIB recalled that last year, the same interim administration had set a positive precedent by limiting its UNGA delegation to 57 members, a move that was appreciated as a step towards responsible governance. Instead of building on that progress, the current year’s decision represents, in TIB’s view, a disappointing reversal.

The organisation also demanded answers regarding the delegation's selection process—asking how individual roles were assigned, what criteria were used, and how national interest was weighed in those decisions. It further questioned whether the public would ever receive a transparent explanation.

"A government formed with the mandate of reform must be held to higher standards of accountability," the statement concluded. "This move is not only embarrassing, but also deeply disheartening for those who expected better from a government that emerged from a people-powered movement."