UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres will visit Bangladesh from March 13-16, marking his second visit since taking office. The visit comes at a critical time, as Bangladesh continues to host over one million Rohingya refugees, and tensions over their repatriation remain unresolved.
The Rohingya crisis, which began in 2017 when thousands fled Myanmar’s Rakhine State due to violence, has strained Bangladesh’s resources and created long-term humanitarian challenges. Despite initial international support, assistance has dwindled over the years, and Bangladesh is facing rising pressure to manage the crisis. The World Food Program (WFP) has recently cut food aid for refugees, exacerbating the already dire situation.
In light of this, Bangladesh’s interim government has called for Guterres’ intervention, with Dr. Muhammad Yunus, a prominent advisor, urging the UN to convene an all-stakeholders conference on the crisis. The UN Secretary-General has already been in contact with Myanmar to seek a political solution, and regional actors, such as ASEAN, have been encouraged to participate.
Key Expectations:
- Rohingya Repatriation: Bangladesh seeks a clear framework for the repatriation of refugees, with increased humanitarian aid before the process can begin.
- Justice and Accountability: The UN is urged to support justice mechanisms for the genocidal crimes committed against the Rohingya.
- Regional Issues: Bangladesh also hopes for UN mediation on other regional disputes, including water-sharing issues with India, particularly concerning the Teesta River.
Additionally, Bangladesh’s role as a major peacekeeper globally is another point of concern, as internal political instability could affect future contributions to UN peacekeeping missions. Bangladesh expects assurances from Guterres that this vital role will continue unaffected.
With climate vulnerability also a major concern, Bangladesh hopes to see more support from the UN Green Climate Fund (GCF) to address its environmental challenges.
In sum, Bangladesh hopes that Guterres’ visit will bring practical solutions to these pressing issues, particularly the ongoing Rohingya crisis. As the crisis continues to affect both Bangladesh and the broader South Asian region, it remains a key issue on the international stage.
