Guterres’ Visit Highlights Rohingya Crisis and Supports BD’s Reforms

Former diplomat Humayun Kabir told BSS, "This visit came at a crucial time when Bangladesh is navigating a political transition, dealing with ongoing reforms, and facing external uncertainties, including the Rohingya crisis. Having foreign support during this period is a positive signal for the country."

Kabir, who now heads the Bangladesh Enterprise Institute (BEI), added, "Who better than the UN Secretary-General to offer support during such a transitional phase, particularly when facing crises like the Rohingya issue?"

Guterres acknowledged Bangladesh's pivotal moment, meeting with interim government Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus and other leaders. The visit was also marked by Guterres’ engagement with the Rohingya community, as he joined an iftar with the Chief Adviser during Ramadan.

In his visit to the Rohingya camps in southern Bangladesh, Guterres vowed to do everything in his power to prevent further hardship, especially as aid cuts threaten food supplies and other critical relief efforts. The UN described the Rohingyas as "one of the most discriminated peoples in the world," and Guterres condemned the global aid cuts, calling them "a crime" while stressing the need for humanitarian support.

"The United Nations stands ready to assist Bangladesh in fostering peace, national dialogue, and healing during this critical time of political transition," Guterres assured.

In a meeting with Professor Yunus, Guterres expressed full support for Bangladesh's reform process, stressing, "We are here to support your reforms. Whatever we can do, let us know." He expressed hope that the reforms would lead to a free and fair election and a "real transformation" for the country.

Professor Yunus welcomed Guterres’ visit, noting, "Your visit is timely not only for the Rohingya people but also for Bangladesh."

Experts, including Kabir, suggested that Guterres’ visit aimed to assess Bangladesh's political climate post-July-August unrest and strategize on offering support for the upcoming elections. Additionally, they highlighted the importance of Guterres’ focus on the Rohingya crisis, especially given the challenges Bangladesh faces as it deals with the humanitarian fallout from the ongoing crisis in Myanmar’s Rakhine state.

Kabir pointed out that Bangladesh is preparing to hold an international conference on the Rohingya crisis later this year, and UN support will be crucial. "The UN Secretary-General’s visit is an important moment for Bangladesh," he concluded.