Geneva: United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres will embark on a visit to Bangladesh from March 13 to 16, during which he will meet Muhammad Yunus, leader of the interim government, and participate in an Iftar with Rohingya refugees in Cox’s Bazar, his spokesperson Stephane Dujarric announced.
As a part of his visit, Guterres will also engage with Bangladeshi communities that have been hosting Rohingya refugees since their mass exodus from Myanmar. The Secretary-General has been a vocal advocate for Rohingya rights and has highlighted their plight on multiple occasions.
Ramadan Solidarity Visit
Guterres has maintained a tradition of visiting a Muslim community during Ramadan since his tenure as the UN High Commissioner for Refugees. His trip to Bangladesh this year is a continuation of this initiative, reinforcing his commitment to supporting displaced populations and the host nations sheltering them.
“I fast with a Muslim community worldwide and go on a solidarity visit every Ramadan. These missions serve as a reminder to the world of the true nature of Islam,” Guterres said in his address.
The Rohingya Crisis and Bangladesh’s Role
The Rohingya, described by the UN as “the most persecuted minority in the world,” began fleeing Myanmar in large numbers following military operations in August 2017. These operations were launched in response to attacks by the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA), leading to severe human rights violations and mass displacement. According to Amnesty International, civilians, including nearly 100 Hindus, were among those killed in the attacks.
Currently, over a million Rohingya refugees are being housed in camps in Bangladesh, making it one of the world’s largest refugee settlements. Developing nations, often struggling with economic challenges, have been at the forefront of providing shelter and aid to displaced populations, a point Guterres has consistently emphasized.
Meetings in Dhaka
In addition to his humanitarian visit to Cox’s Bazar, the UN chief will meet interim Bangladeshi leader Muhammad Yunus in Dhaka. The discussions are expected to focus on regional stability, refugee management, and Bangladesh’s ongoing humanitarian efforts.
Global Response and UN’s Commitment
The Rohingya crisis remains a major humanitarian challenge, and the UN has continually urged global cooperation and long-term solutions. Guterres’ visit underscores the importance of international solidarity in addressing displacement, ensuring refugee rights, and acknowledging the efforts of host nations. His presence in Bangladesh is expected to bring renewed international attention to the urgent need for sustainable solutions to the Rohingya crisis and to honor the resilience of both the refugees and their host communities.
