UN to Boost Global Support for Bangladesh on Rohingya Crisis: Guterres

In a letter to Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on February 25, Guterres expressed shared concern over the devastating impact of the Rohingya crisis on Bangladesh, the surrounding region, and the worsening humanitarian situation in Myanmar’s Rakhine State.

"I remain fully committed to working alongside the international community to support Bangladesh, especially in light of the ongoing challenges posed by the Rohingya crisis," Guterres wrote. "I will continue to exercise my good offices, including through my Special Envoy for Myanmar, to engage with regional actors, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), and other key stakeholders in seeking a political resolution to the crisis in Myanmar."

The UN chief outlined efforts to create the conditions for the safe and voluntary return of the Rohingya people to their homeland in Rakhine. He further noted that his senior managers have been instructed to guide the United Nations Country Teams in Bangladesh and Myanmar in maximizing humanitarian aid and livelihood support to affected communities in Rakhine.

Guterres emphasized the UN’s dedication to ensuring unhindered humanitarian access across Myanmar, including in Rakhine, under the leadership of the UN's Emergency Relief Coordinator and Humanitarian Coordinators. "The United Nations will continue to prioritize this issue, providing the necessary resources and support for a sustainable humanitarian response," he affirmed.

Looking ahead, Guterres expressed hope that the upcoming High-level Conference on the Situation of Rohingya Muslims and other minorities in Myanmar would serve as a platform to reignite global attention on the crisis and to explore a broader range of solutions for the Rohingya and other vulnerable populations. "We await the outcomes of the Conference and the Member State consultations, which will guide how the UN system can best support the ongoing efforts," he added.

The UN Secretary-General also reiterated the United Nations’ strong solidarity with Bangladesh and its continued support for the country’s transition process under the leadership of Professor Yunus.

Guterres expressed his gratitude to Professor Yunus for the letter sent on February 4, 2025, which was shared with him by Khalilur Rahman, Chief Adviser’s High Representative for the Rohingya Crisis and Priority Affairs, during their meeting on February 7.