- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres arrives in Bangladesh to support reform process.
- Guterres voices concern over humanitarian aid cuts affecting Rohingya refugees.
- Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus discusses reforms and upcoming elections.
- UN chief visits Rohingya camps in Cox’s Bazar and calls for international support.
- Both leaders pledge commitment to Rohingya refugees’ safe return to Myanmar.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres arrived in Bangladesh on Thursday for a four-day visit. He reaffirmed the UN’s strong support for the country’s ongoing reform efforts. He also discussed the importance of free and fair elections soon.
During a meeting with Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus, Guterres expressed the UN’s full commitment to the reform process. “We are here to support your reforms. We wish you all the best,” he said. He emphasized that the reforms should lead to a real transformation.
Professor Yunus briefed Guterres on the reform progress. He mentioned that ten political parties had submitted feedback on the six reform commissions set up by the interim government. The July Charter will guide reforms in politics, judiciary, elections, anti-corruption, and police.
Yunus also mentioned the potential election dates. If parties agreed to a “short package” of reforms, elections could happen in December. If they agreed to a more comprehensive package, the elections might take place by June next year.
Solidarity with the Rohingya during Ramadan
A key focus of Guterres’ visit was the situation of over one million Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh, especially in the Cox’s Bazar district. He expressed deep concern about the declining international aid for these refugees, which has become a pressing issue.
“I’ve never seen a population so discriminated against. The international community is forgetting the Rohingya,” Guterres said. He further called the cuts in aid a “crime.” Additionally, he pointed out that Western nations are prioritizing defense spending over humanitarian aid, leading to a dangerous funding shortfall.
He went on to praise Bangladesh for its “enormous generosity” in hosting the refugees. “Bangladesh has been extremely generous to the Rohingya people,” he added, urging the world to continue supporting the country during this crisis.
Moreover, Guterres visited the refugee camps during the holy month of Ramadan, where he shared an Iftar meal with about 100,000 refugees in Cox’s Bazar. His visit aimed to highlight the urgent need for international support for both the refugees and the Bangladeshi communities hosting them.
In his speech, Guterres called on the international community to show more solidarity and provide tangible support. “I am here to shine a global spotlight on the plight – but also the potential. The more than one million Rohingya refugees here are proud, resilient, and need the world’s support,” he said.
Lastly, Guterres emphasized the Rohingya’s ultimate goal: returning to Myanmar in a safe, voluntary, and dignified manner. “The solution must be found in Myanmar,” he stated. He called for the protection of civilians and for Myanmar to allow the safe return of refugees.
Urgent Appeal for Rohingya Refugees’ Future
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres recently praised the Bangladeshi government’s efforts to manage the refugee crisis. However, he pointed out the critical situation in the camps. These areas face extreme risks, like cyclones, floods, and landslides, due to the climate crisis.
He stressed that cuts in humanitarian aid could have dire effects on the refugees. Services like food, healthcare, and protection are at risk. “We are on the verge of a deep humanitarian crisis,” he said. Guterres warned that the aid could drop to just 40% of what’s needed in 2025.
During the Iftar event, both Guterres and Professor Yunus reaffirmed their commitment. They promised to keep working together to address the crisis. Yunus also expressed hope that the refugees could return to Myanmar by next year, celebrating Eid in their homeland.
“I hope that next year, the Rohingyas can celebrate their Eid in their home, in Myanmar’s Rakhine state,” Yunus said. He even spoke in Chattogram’s regional language, aiming to communicate better with the refugees.
Both leaders agreed that the international community must act urgently. They stressed that the crisis in Bangladesh reflects global challenges in managing displacement and providing aid. Guterres’ visit highlighted the need for ongoing attention and support for the Rohingya refugees.