United News of Bangladesh

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus has called for global action against racial injustice and highlighted the plight of the Rohingya people, who remain victims of racial discrimination and prolonged statelessness. Since 2017, Bangladesh has sheltered over a million forcibly displaced Rohingyas, but their repatriation to Myanmar remains the only sustainable solution to this protracted crisis, he said in a message on the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. UNHCR deplores funding cuts in humanitarian sector putting millions at risk The global community must engage actively to ensure their early repatriation to their homeland in Myanmar, Dr Yunus said. On this occasion, Bangladesh reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to combating racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia, and related intolerance in all its forms. This year marks the 60th anniversary of the adoption of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (ICERD). Dhaka calls for stronger global cooperation, investment to advance gender equality "As a state party to ICERD, Bangladesh upholds non-discrimination as a core principle of governance and society," said the Chief Adviser.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, who will visit the Rohingya camp together with Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Friday afternoon, will "issue a call" to the international community to step up their humanitarian assistance for these men, women and children who have already suffered so much. He will share an Iftar with the refugees, to be hosted by Dr Yunus. A million Rohingyas will break fast in their camps in Cox's Bazar with Guterres and Chief Adviser Dr Yunus. "Every Ramadan, I spend time with Muslim communities living in difficult circumstances, to observe the fast with them and help shine a spotlight on their plight. This year I’m in Bangladesh to express my solidarity with Rohingya refugees and the Bangladeshi people hosting them," Guterres said on his Ramadan solidarity visit. Foreign Affairs Adviser Touhid Hossain and High Representative of Chief Advisor on Rohingya Issue and Priority Matters Dr Khalilur Rahman met with the UN chief at Hotel InterContinental on Friday morning and discussed the issues related to the Rohingya crisis. The UN chief had a bilateral meeting with the chief adviser and they are scheduled to leave Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport for Cox’s Bazar by a chartered Biman Bangladesh flight at 11:15am today (Friday), a senior official told UNB. Guterres arrived in Dhaka on Thursday afternoon with a packed schedule for Friday and Saturday, featuring a series of meetings and greater engagements in Cox’s Bazar Rohingya camp, before his departure on Sunday morning. Guterres and Dr Yunus will meet there with Rohingya refugees who have been forcibly displaced from their homes in Myanmar. UN chief to inspire Rohingyas with hope for safe return: Shafiqul Alam They will meet with the host Bangladeshi communities who have been so generous in hosting them. On Saturday in Dhaka, the secretary-general will meet with youth and representatives from civil society, said an official at the UN office in Dhaka. He will also have a joint press conference with the Foreign Adviser Hossain on Saturday afternoon. And we will update you on all of the secretary-general’s activities. Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam on Thursday said Guterres, who is now in city on a four-day Ramadan solidarity visit, will give the Rohingya community a message of hope that they will be able to return to their homeland soon in dignity and with safety, and that all of their rights will be fully established and respected. "We would also urge that the Secretary General will invest his exceptional leadership to make progress toward the objective of their early repatriation and ensure that international aid to Rohingyas are not adversely affected," Alam said while responding to some queries that he received from the media. Regarding contact with Arakan Army, the Press Secretary said considering the newly emerged situation in the Rakhine state, they ought to act and safeguard their border security, stability and peace. "Therefore, we are keeping operational contact with the actors on the other side of the border," Alam said. He said the solution of the Rohingya issue lies in sustainable repatriation of the Rohingyas back to Myanmar. Dr Yunus, UN chief Guterres to visit Rohingya camps Friday This should be the highest priority of the international community, Alam said, adding that Bangladesh is relentlessly working toward this objective. Bangladesh has been hosting over 1.2 million Rohingya refugees for long eight years. In recent months. around 80,000 more Rohingyas have entered Bangladesh. "It is beyond the capacity of Bangladesh to continue to host the forcibly displaced Rohingyas," Alam said. He said the international support for Rohingyas has taken a turn for the worse, leading to the decision to cut the daily food ration for the Rohingyas. "This will severely affect their nutritional status, particularly women and children. It will also have serious social and security implications, including safety and security within the camps and in the host community," Alam said. He said they reiterate Bangladesh's appeal to all donors and the UN system to ensure that the assistance to Rohingyas is given high priority and aid to them does not diminish. Global focus on Rohingya crisis to return through UN chief’s visit: Govt In light of the dire humanitarian situation in Rakhine State, the press secretary said, Bangladesh will positively consider supporting UN-led humanitarian assistance to the state.

Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain on Sunday said Bangladesh had to accept over 60,000 Rohingyas under certain circumstances through various unofficial channels, including border-related corruptions, despite its decision in principle not to allow any new arrival from Myanmar. “We had a position in principle that no new arrival one will be allowed. No one was allowed formally. Another thing we need to keep in mind that there is huge corruption in the border. And it is true,” he said while talking to reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on his recent informal consultation at the ministerial level among Myanmar and its five neighbouring countries. The six-nation consultation was held in Bangkok on Thursday under the chairmanship of the Thai Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa. The meeting was attended, among others, by Myanmar Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Than Swe. Bangladesh must address pressing challenges, seize opportunities: Foreign Adviser Responding to a question, Hossain said the Rohingyas are not entering Bangladesh through a single route; they are coming through multiple routes, making it very difficult to stop. Asked about a potential new influx of Rohingya refugees, he dismissed such possibility. "I do not believe another influx will occur, although many are concerned. We too share these concerns, but we must take measures to prevent it, working with the international community," Hossain said. Meanwhile, speaking at a seminar on Sunday morning, Adviser Hossain said they are aware of the civil war situation currently prevailing in Myanmar, and the 1.2 million Rohingyas who were forcibly displaced from the Rakhine state under extreme atrocities, and are sheltered in Bangladesh for the last 7 plus years. There has been no progress in their repatriation and the situation is further complicated by a non-state actor, the Arakan Army taking control of the entire border with Bangladesh, he said. Referring to his meeting in Bangkok, the Foreign Adviser said, "I told them in no uncertain terms that peace and order will not be possible in Myanmar, and consequently in the region, unless the Rohingyas lodged in Myanmar can go back to their homes with security and rights." It is incumbent on Myanmar and the regional powers to create a congenial atmosphere for their return, he said. “I had the scope to talk in details as it was an informal discussion and I explained our position clearly,” Hossain told reporters at the foreign ministry.     Take action-orinted initiatives, harness technology: Prof Yunus tells D-8 members “If Rohingya problem is not resolved, peace and stability that you are thinking of will never be achieved,” he said, while conveying Bangladesh’s position during the meeting in Bangkok. Hossain also said if the Rohingyas, mostly young people, cannot be given a hope and if no light is seen at the end of the tunnel, they will become desperate and they will do desperate activities. “I made it clear to them.” The Foreign Adviser said offenders are on the both sides of the border and in the Rohoingya camps and they made huge money through illegal activities. If these issues are not addressed, peace cannot be achieved, he said.  Hossain informed Myanmar that the border is no longer under their control; rather it is now controlled by non-state actors like the Arakan Army. “As a state, we cannot engage with a non-state actor. Myanmar must find a way to resolve the issues related to the border and Rakhine." In Bangkok, Hossain reiterated the call for a "comprehensive roadmap" for Rohingya repatriation with priority attached to ensuring stability in Rakhine State. Dhaka seeks ‘comprehensive roadmap’ for Rohingya repatriation He urged ASEAN and other key regional actors to play a further proactive role in restoring peace, security, and democracy in Myanmar. “Bangladesh has every interest to see lasting peace, stability and democracy in Myanmar, and a conducive environment in Rakhine State for the Rohingya to have confidence to go back there in safety and dignity," Hossain affirmed.

Regional Vice President (Asia) of the International Rescue Committee (IRC) Adnan bin Junaid has said the IRC is committed to enhancing resilience and helping both Bangladeshis and the Rohingyas adapt to environmental shocks. “IRC recognises that climate change is a critical challenge for both the Rohingya and host communities in Cox’s Bazar and southern Bangladesh, including Satkhira, Khulna, Barishal, and Patuakhali,” he told UNB in an interview, adding that the hardship of these communities further exacerbates by climate-induced disasters like flooding, cyclones and extreme weather events. President Erdoğan invites Prof Yunus to visit Turkey, assures full support The IRC senior leader said their strategies include disaster preparedness training for community members and local authorities, ensuring early warning systems are in place, and conducting evacuation drills. “We also support climate-smart agriculture initiatives that improve food security and generate income for both refugees and host communities in Cox’s Bazar and Southern Bangladesh,” he said. Besides, Junaid said, they collaborate closely with the government of Bangladesh, local authorities and communities to develop Local Adaptation Plans (LAPAs) that address specific climate risks in regions like Satkhira and Barishal. These plans prioritise sustainable resource management, climate risk reduction and community participation to create long-term strategies for managing the impacts of climate change. “Additionally, we are expanding our impact through cash transfer programmes, providing direct financial assistance to the most vulnerable populations in Cox’s Bazar and southern Bangladesh,” Junaid said. The IRC advocates for global support for climate adaptation funding and policies to help reduce vulnerability. “Through these efforts, we aim to strengthen resilience, ensuring that both refugees and host populations can thrive despite the compounded challenges of climate change,” Junaid said. In line with their broader goals, the IRC Vice President said they are also advocating for increased global attention to the climate crisis in Bangladesh, calling for stronger international support for climate adaptation funding, resilience-building programs and policy changes that can help reduce the vulnerability of at-risk populations, including refugees and host communities. “Looking ahead, we are excited to build on our initiatives in climate adaptation, climate-smart agriculture, and green skills development. By leveraging our expertise from 44 countries, we will enhance coordination among donors, organisations, government entities and local communities,” he said. Through this collaborative approach, the IRC aims to ensure that the Rohingya and host populations in Cox’s Bazar and Southern Bangladesh are not only able to survive but also thrive in the face of the climate crisis while building long-term resilience for future generations. Responding to a question, Junaid said as the Rohingya crisis enters its eighth year, the IRC is adapting its strategy to ensure sustainable support despite declining international funding and the prolonged displacement of Rohingya communities. Recognising the complexity of the situation, he said, they are focusing on short-term programmes to ensure basic services and long-term resilience building for both the Rohingya and host communities. This includes strengthening partnerships with local actors and authorities to ensure the continuity and effectiveness of services. “By prioritising community-based approaches, we are enhancing local capacity to respond to ongoing needs while creating more sustainable solutions,” he said. In response to the funding challenges, the IRC is also advocating for flexible, long-term funding commitments from donors to ensure that programs can continue without disruption. “We are expanding efforts to mobilize resources from a diverse range of funding sources, including through public-private partnerships, to address the growing needs of the Rohingya and host populations,” he said. IRC is focusing on strengthening resilience through programs that promote livelihoods, education, mental health support, protection and climate adaptation, ensuring that the affected communities can withstand shocks and improve their long-term prospects. By adapting to the shifting landscape of humanitarian aid, the IRC aims to continue its support for those in need while advocating for sustained global attention to the crisis. Responding to a question, Junaid said IRC believes that the resolution of the Rohingya crisis lies in Myanmar, however, the current conditions in Myanmar, especially in Rakhine State, remain volatile and conflict-ridden, making safe repatriation highly challenging. Given the geopolitical complexities, he said, a realistic approach to the Rohingya crisis must consider sustainable alternatives to repatriation that uphold the dignity, self-reliance, and resilience of Rohingya communities while also supporting host communities.

Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain on Wednesday expressed “deep concern” over the recent influx of more than 40,000 Myanmar nationals into Bangladesh fleeing conflict in the bordering states. “Regional stability is crucial for both the nations,” the Adviser emphasized when Ambassador of Myanmar to Bangladesh Kyaw Soe Moe paid a maiden call on the Foreign Adviser at the latter's office. The Foreign Adviser reiterated the need for the safe and sustainable repatriation of the displaced Rohingya population, underscoring the importance of peace and stability in Myanmar. During the meeting, they discussed a range of bilateral issues including sustainable repatriation of Rohingya people. Hossain stressed that Bangladesh and Myanmar, being two close neighbours, have certain challenges in the bilateral relations that need to be resolved on a priority basis. The Myanmar Ambassador acknowledged the difficulties caused by the conflict, explaining that efforts toward the repatriation of displaced persons had been delayed due to the ceasefire breakdown by the Arakan Army in November 2023. Read: Bangladesh protests killing of Bangladeshi fisherman by Myanmar Navy The Foreign Adviser expressed hope that the Myanmar government and other key players would soon engage in constructive dialogue to address the crisis. He highlighted the security concerns stemming from the volatile border situation such as rise in human trafficking. Adviser Hossain reaffirmed Bangladesh’s commitment to enhancing regional cooperation with South-East Asian Countries, where Myanmar is a vital gateway. He sought Myanmar’s support for Bangladesh’s bid to become a part of ASEAN’s Sectoral Dialogue. They also discussed strengthening bilateral trade, increasing people-to-people contact, and the potential resumption of direct flights between Dhaka and Yangon. They emphasized finalizing the coastal shipping agreement currently under negotiation between the two countries. Read more: Myanmar deports over 50,000 illegal foreigners Ambassador Kyaw Soe Moe conveyed his government’s gratitude to Bangladesh for providing shelter, food, and medical support to Myanmar troops, as well as facilitating their repatriation after they had recently crossed into Bangladesh amidst the ongoing conflict in Rakhine.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Tuesday (May 07, 2024) urged the International Organization for Migration (IOM) to search for new partners to increase the international fund for Rohingyas who have taken shelter in Bangladesh to escape persecution in Myanmar. “Since the the assistance for Rohingyas has declined, the IOM should look for new partners to raise more funds for them,” she said. The premier made this call when IOM Director General Amy Pope paid a courtesy call on her at the latter’s official residence Ganabhaban. PM’s Speechwriter Md Nazrul Islam briefed reporters after the meeting. PM opens newly constructed AFIP Bhaban, Sena Prangan Bhaban in Dhaka Cantonment During the meeting, they discussed the UN joint response plan for the Rohingya humanitarian crisis as the international fund for supporting Rohingya refugees has significantly declined.    Hasina also asked IOM to help relocate more Rohingyas to Bhashanchar (island) from Cox’s Bazar camps as accommodation and livelihood facilities are there including self-employment, education for their children, healthcare services and infrastructures for some 100,000 people in Bhashanchar. Some 30,000-35,000 Rohingyas have already relocated to Bhashanchar from Cox’s Bazar camps. The IOM Director General who visited Cox’s Bazar Rohingya camps on Monday raised the security issue in the camps. In this context, the premier said now conflict continues in Myanmar and Rohingya people are also divided in different groups and sub-groups in the overcrowded camps in Cox’s Bazar. So, they are engaged in internal conflicts, she added. Stay away from upazila polls: PM Hasina tells ministers and AL MPs Besides, the Rohingya people have outnumbered the host community  in Cox’s Bazar. So, there are,conflicts for limited resources there, she said. She, however, said adequate number of law enforcement agencies have been deployed to maintain the law and order in the Rohingya camps areas. Talking about migration, IOM Director General Amy Pope stressed the need for imparting proper training to migrants on demand-driven skills, language and culture of the destination countries. In response, the prime minister said her government has attached topmost priority to imparting training on trade-based skills and languages. She said her government has taken up many programmes including a bank loan scheme for the welfare of expatriates. “Both source and host countries should protect the interest of migrants as they contribute to both economies,” said Hasina. Noting that migration is a natural process, she said if poverty reduces, the intensity of migrants would decline. In this time, she mentioned the poverty rate has declined sharply in Bangladesh in the last 15 years and now the extreme poverty rate is only 5.6 percent here. Talking about the internal migration, PM Hasina said people also migrated internally for the climate change as Bangladesh is one of the most vulnerable countries for the climate change impacts. The people are being migrated internally for river erosion, flood and cyclone, she said. She said her government gives houses to climate-induced refugees under the Ashrayan project. More than 4,000 climate refugees were already given abodes alone at Khurushkul in Cox's Bazar by construction of multi-storied buildings there, she cited. The PM said her government also gives the homeless people the climate-resilient houses on the coastal areas and floating houses in flood-prone areas free of cost. Principal Secretary M Tofazzel Hossain Miah and Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment Secretary Md Ruhul Amin were present.  

US Ambassador to Bangladesh Peter Haas has said that they are prepared to extend support to the declared goal of a “free, fair and peaceful” election in Bangladesh. He said USA’s goal is not to interfere in the election but to support the goal that allows people to freely choose who they want to run the country. “We speak out frequently in support of the goal,” said Ambassador Haas. Also read: UNHCR welcomes S Korea’s contribution of USD 1 million for Rohingyas in Bangladesh The US ambassador also said it is the collective responsibility of the entire world to make sure that conditions are in place in Myanmar so that the Rohingyas can return to their homeland with dignity. “They need to be protected, educated, and they need to enjoy dignity where they are living,” he said while attending an event as a keynote speaker. The US ambassador said the Rohingyas should not be punished for the action taken by Myanmar and they should be treated well without any discrimination towards them. Ambassador Haas laid emphasis on constant collective pressure on Myanmar, noting that the solution to the crisis unfortunately is not so easy. He said they are also exploring the option of resettlement, but it offers very limited opportunity as it is meant for only the most vulnerable people. Also read: Thailand provides  assistance to support WFP’s food aid for Rohingyas in Bangladesh The ambassador also highlighted the importance of holding people responsible for the genocide. He appreciated Bangladesh’s generosity in providing shelter to the Rohingyas; otherwise, he thinks the situation would have been far worse. On the occasion of International Day of Peace, the US ambassador said: “The essence of International Peace Day is to remind us of the critical role of peace in addressing global challenges.” Chaired by Professor Atiqul Islam, NSU’s Vice-Chancellor, the session, held at NSU’s main auditorium, experienced the full-capacity of 1200 audience comprised of students, faculties and officials of NSU. Welcoming all, Javed Muneer Ahmad, Chairman, NSU Board of Trustees, said that peace is the most precious resource now in a conflict-ridden world. Dr. Abdul Wohab, Coordinator, Center for Peace Studies (CPS) made opening remarks, highlighting CPS’s role in promoting peace, sustainability, and diplomacy through research, dialogue, and community engagement. Also read: UK to push for long-term solution to Rohingya crisis 

European Union’s Special Representative for Human Rights Eamon Gilmore has said they will talk to other countries about what more needs to be done to resolve the Rohingya crisis, and they are particularly conscious about the reductions in food rations that are being made this year. “It has to be resolved and it has to be resolved in Myanmar. The resolution of that crisis has to happen. And the circumstances need to be created whereby the Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh can voluntarily go home safely, with their rights respected and in full dignity,” he told UNB in an exclusive interview. Gilmore, who recently spent five days in Bangladesh, said the food rations for the Rohingya refugees in Cox’s bazar have been cut from $12 to $10 (per person per month) and then $8 due to funding reductions by international donors. He spent a full day in Cox’s Bazar and met the Rohingyas who fled from Myanmar over the past six years, and heard their experiences and problems. Gilmore, who also visited Rohingya camps four years ago, assured them that the European Union has not forgotten them despite the current crises around the world. Japan will continue to support resolving Rohingya issues: Ambassador

The United States has said it is "maintaining pressure" on Myanmar’s military regime to end the Rohingya crisis and create conditions conducive for the eventual voluntary return of the refugees to their homeland in a manner that is safe, dignified, informed, and sustainable.US Under Secretary for Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights Uzra Zeya met with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina this morning and discussed bilateral issues. They discussed the strong and growing partnership between the United States and Bangladesh, including coordination on issues from humanitarian assistance to gender equality. They spoke about efforts to advance a prosperous future built on strong democratic institutions, including free and fair elections; the vital role of civil society and independent media; promoting human rights and fundamental freedoms, including freedom of association and labor rights, according to the US Embassy in Dhaka. Also read: US visa policy to supplement govt commitment to hold free election: Uzra Zeya tells PM "Us appreciates Bangladesh’s generosity towards Rohingya refugees and looks forward to free and fair elections anchoring a thriving democratic future for the Bangladeshi people," Under Secretary Zeya tweeted after her meeting with Prime Minister Hasina. She also described the meeting as "engaging and productive". The Under Secretary and Prime Minister also discussed Bangladesh's generous hosting of Rohingya refugees and the continued need for support from the global community. The United States is proud to have provided more than $2.1 billion in humanitarian assistance to support Rohingya refugees and host communities in Bangladesh and the region since August 2017. The Under Secretary also shared that the United States is providing more than $74 million in additional humanitarian assistance to support the ongoing response efforts in Myanmar and Bangladesh, including nearly $61 million to support Rohingyas internally displaced in Myanmar, Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh, and their host communities, including in Bangladesh, while urging continued support by other donors and potential donors. US Under Secretary Uzra Zeya, Donald Lu visit Rohingya camps in Cox’s Bazar

An 18-year-old Rohingya man was shot to death in a reported clash between the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA) and Rohingya Solidarity Organisation (RSO) at a camp in Ukhiya of Cox’s Bazar on Monday. The deceased Imam Hossain, son of Siraj Hossain of No 10 Rohingya camp in Ukhiya, however was not involved in the clash. Sheikh Mohammad Ali, officer-in-charge of Ukhiya Police Station, said the members of ARSA and RSO equipped with arms engaged in a gunfight at camp number 8 around 8am. The groups exchanged 20-25 rounds of bullets. Rohingya leader shot to death in Cox’s Bazar At one stage, Imam was caught in the line of fire and sustained bullet injuries. He was taken to a local hospital where the doctors declared him dead. Man killed in gunfight between ARSA, RSO groups in Ukhiya Rohingya camp, police say The body was sent to the Sadar Hospital morgue for autopsy, said OC.