United News of Bangladesh

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres concluded his Ramadan solidarity visit on Sunday morning, expressing his hope that Bangladesh would become one of the most perfect democracies in the world through reforms. Guterres left Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 9:55am on Sunday. UN chief voices “concern” over disinformation targeted against Bangladesh: Foreign Adviser Environment, Forests and Climate Change Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan and Chief Adviser's High Representative for Rohingya issue Khalilur Rahman saw him off at the airport. Before his departure, the UN Secretary General spoke to Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus over the phone and exchanged farewell greetings, CA's Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder told UNB. Before leaving Dhaka, Guterres expressed his total solidarity with the efforts that Bangladesh is taking in order to introduce reforms that will make Bangladesh "one of the most perfect democracies" in the world. During his visit, the secretary-general met with top officials, including Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus; Foreign Adviser Md Towhid Hossain, and High Representative Khalilur Rahman. He visited the Rohingya camps to share Ramadan Solidarity Iftar with about 10 million Rohingya when he was accompanied by the Chief Adviser. He also joined a roundtable discussion on reforms, met with Bangladeshi youth representatives and members of the civil society. Guterres, who arrived in Dhaka on March 13, said Bangladesh can count on full support of the UN in its way to provide its citizens a set of institutions which will be able to guide the country towards "sustainable and inclusive" development. During iftar and early dinner hosted by Chief Adviser Dr Yunus on Saturday, Guterres expressed his deep admiration to him and his team for the work they are conducting. He reiterated that Bangladesh can count on the UN's full solidarity in mobilis.ing all their capacities to support the reforms in Bangladesh. Guterres highlighted Bangladesh’s support to the United Nations and its mission, particularly in peacekeeping. Bangladesh is one of the largest contributors to UN peacekeeping operations, with thousands of soldiers serving in some of the world’s most dangerous environments. UN chief acknowledges people’s hopes for democracy, justice, prosperity “I want to pay tribute to the sacrifices and dedication of Bangladeshi peacekeepers,” he said. Regarding Bangladesh's efforts to support over 1 million Rohingya refugees, Guterres said Bangladesh's generosity is "absolutely outstanding". "You have been a remarkable example....that should be followed," said the UN chief.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Saturday said the Arakan Army is an entity with which he believes a “necessary dialogue must take place” but stressed that it would be “extremely difficult” to have an immediate “dignified return” of the Rohingya refugees amid heavy fighting between the Myanmar Army and Arakan Army. “I think it is important to engage with the Arakan Army in order for full respect of the rights of the Rohingya population in Rakhine,” he said while responding to a question at a joint media briefing with Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain. UN chief acknowledges people’s hopes for democracy, justice, prosperity Guterres said it is essential to increase the pressure of the international community and all the neighbours of Myanmar in order to guarantee that fighting ends and democracy is finally reestablished there. The UN chief said it is absolutely essential to mobilise the whole of the international community, all the neighbours of Myanmar, not just Bangladesh, to make things move to find a solution, starting by seizing the violence and at the same time creating the mechanisms leading to a true democratic solution in Myanmar that would naturally facilitate the return of the Rohingya refugees. “At the same time, we need to intensify the humanitarian aid inside Myanmar to create a condition for that return to be successful,” Guterres said. He also referred to the possibility of having a humanitarian aid channel from Bangladesh, if circumstances allow. “But that is obviously a matter that would require authorization and cooperation…..” The government of Bangladesh and the Arakan Army (AA) should immediately facilitate humanitarian aid and cross-border trade to reach war-affected civilians in Myanmar’s Rakhine State, Fortify Rights said on March 12. “Rights-respecting countries should explore all possibilities to facilitate the delivery of life-saving aid to communities in need in Myanmar,” said Ejaz Min Khant, Human Rights Associate at Fortify Rights. “A humanitarian corridor between Bangladesh and Myanmar would enable vital aid and trade for all communities. Failure to act will cost lives.”     Asked whether the issue of establishing a humanitarian corridor was discussed during the UN chief's visit, Foreign Adviser Hossain said these are the things that actually have been going on in their interactions with the international community and particularly in the UN. UN chief voices “concern” over disinformation targeted against Bangladesh: Foreign Adviser In particular, he said, this issue was not discussed with the UN Secretary General. “This is much more of an operational matter which we will of course deal with the local offices of the UN.”     The Adviser said the government of Bangladesh wants to see the Rohingyas return to their homeland with dignity and safety and the solution lies with Myanmar. “It is time that we unify our efforts to put pressure on Myanmar authorities – I am not saying only authority because of the new realities on the border – we have to convince all of them – put appropriate pressure – so that they (Rohingyas) can go back to their rightful place,” Hossain said. Responding to a question on sanctions, Guterres said he believes that sanctions are one possible instrument and it is difficult to obtain UN Security Council’s approval for imposing sanctions and those sanctions not being possible.       The UN Secretary-General, during his visit to the Rohingya refugee camps on Friday, vowed to do everything in his power to prevent further hardship as drastic aid cuts threaten food supplies and other critical relief efforts. UN aid efforts are in jeopardy following funding reductions announced by major donors, including the United States and several European nations. Guterres described Cox’s Bazar as “ground zero” for the impact of these cuts, warning of a looming humanitarian disaster if immediate action is not taken. “We are at risk of cutting the food rations in this camp,” he said. “That would be an unmitigated disaster that we cannot accept because people will suffer and even people will die.” Guterres emphasised that his visit, which took place during the holy month of Ramadan, was a mission of solidarity with the Rohingya refugees and the Bangladeshi people who generously host them. “I am here to shine a global spotlight on the plight – but also the potential – of Rohingya refugees,” he said. “The more than one million Rohingya refugees here are proud. They are resilient. And they need the world’s support.” He praised the support offered by Bangladesh and local communities who have shared their land, forests, water and resources with the refugees, calling it nothing short of “enormous.” Reforms: Guterres holds talks with political leaders, Consensus Building Commission Bangladesh is hosting over one million Rohingya refugees who fled violence in neighbouring Myanmar. The largest exodus followed brutal attacks by Myanmar security forces in 2017, a series of events that the then UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Zeid Ra’ad al-Hussein described as “textbook example of ethnic cleansing.” The Secretary-General emphasised that the international community cannot turn its back on the Rohingya crisis. “We cannot accept that the international community forgets about the Rohingyas,” he said, adding that he will “speak loudly” to world leaders that more support is urgently needed.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Saturday recognised people’s hopes for a future of greater democracy, justice and prosperity in Bangladesh as the country undergoes a 'significant transition' under the leadeship of Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus. "This is a pivotal moment for Bangladesh and the international community must play its part in supporting your efforts toward a just, inclusive and prosperous future," he told reporters at a joint briefing at a city hotel together with Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain. Reforms: Guterres holds talks with political leaders, Consensus Building Commission As the country undergoes important reforms and transitions, Guterres assured that the UN stands ready to assist in fostering peace, national dialogue, trust and healing. "You can count on the UN to be your steadfast partner, working alongside the people of Bangladesh to help build a sustainable and equitable future for all," said the UN chief. He underscored Bangladesh’s extraordinary generosity in responding to the Rohingya crisis. The Secretary-General said as they come together in this sacred month of Ramadan, it is more important than ever to focus on solidarity and shared humanity. In this spirit, he said, they will continue standing with the people of Bangladesh as ‘you navigate the challenges and opportunities ahead’. "I am deeply honoured to share this moment with you. May this Ramadan bring peace, blessings, and renewed hope to all," Guterres said. For years, he said, the people of this nation, especially the communities in Cox’s Bazar, have hosted over a million refugees fleeing violence and persecution. By offering Rohingya refugees sanctuary, Bangladesh has demonstrated solidarity and human dignity, often at significant social, environmental and economic cost, he said. "The world must not take this generosity for granted. I will continue to urge the international community to take greater responsibility and provide the necessary financial and political support for both the refugees and their host communities," Guterres said. In Cox’s Bazar on Friday, he mentioned that they are on the verge of a deep humanitarian crisis. "With the announced cuts in financial assistance, we are facing the dramatic risk of having only 40 per cent in 2025 of the resources available for humanitarian aid in 2024," Guterres said. This would have terrible consequences, starting with the drastic reduction of food rations, he said.   "That would be an unmitigated disaster. People will suffer and people will die. I strongly appeal to the international community to allow us to avoid this tragedy," Guterres said. The United Nations is fully committed to working with Bangladesh and others in finding a lasting solution to the Rohingya crisis that enables their safe, voluntary, dignified, and sustainable return to Myanmar, he said. UN chief Guterres opens new "UN House in Bangladesh" Planning is also well underway by UN Member States for a High-Level Conference on the situation of Rohingya Muslims and other minorities in Myanmar. "We know the situation there continues to deteriorate. The escalation of violence and human rights violations across Myanmar, including in Rakhine State, are causing civilian casualties and driving displacement internally and across borders," Guterres said. He called on all parties in Myanmar to exercise maximum restraint, prioritize the protection of civilians in accordance with international humanitarian law, and prevent further incitement of communal tension and violence – paving the way for democracy to take root. Guterres joined a roundtable discussion on reform proposals participated by representatives of political parties, National Consensus Building Commission and other stakeholders. UN Under Secretary General Rabab Fatima, Bangladesh’s Law Adviser Dr Asif, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed and representatives of other political parties, Prof Ali Riaz, Dr Iftekharuzzaman, Badiul Alam Majumdar and UN Resident Coordinator in Bangladesh Gwyn Lewis were, among others, present at the dialogue held at Hotel InterContinental. Guterres later joined another dialogue with youths and a meeting with members of civil society at the same venue. Earlier in the morning, UN Secretary-General Guterres officially opened a new "UN House in Bangladesh" in the city. Industries, Housing and Public Works Adviser Adilur Rahman Khan; Environment, Forests and Climate Change Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan and UN Resident Coordinator in Bangladesh Gwyn Lewis were, among others, present. The UN chief visited the new UN Common Premises to view the 50th anniversary photo exhibition and joined the official UN flag-raising. The visit followed a meeting with UN Country Team Bangladesh. Secretary-General Guterres met Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Friday. The Secretary-General expressed appreciation for the close cooperation between the United Nations and Bangladesh, including its contributions to peacekeeping. UN views Bangladesh's reform issues as internal matter, says BNP The Secretary-General and the Chief Adviser discussed the situation of the Rohingya and Bangladesh’s domestic issues. The Secretary-General expressed his solidarity with Bangladesh’s reform and transition process, according to a readout shared by the UN.

National Citizens' Party (NCP) Convenor Nahid Islam on Saturday said that elections would be ineffective without prior reforms, stressing the need for constitutional amendments through a Constituent Assembly for sustainable change. “We have discussed reforms and reiterated our stance on constitutional amendments. We believe that any fundamental changes to the constitution must be undertaken through a Constituent Assembly; otherwise, such reforms will not be sustainable,” he told journalists following a roundtable discussion on reform proposals. UN Secretary-General António Guterres, representatives from political parties, the National Consensus Commission and other stakeholders attended the dialogue.  In response to a question, Nahid said, “Though we view elections as part of the reform process, elections will serve no purpose without reforms.”  He emphasised that the NCP’s position on reforms is rooted in post-uprising circumstances under which the government was formed. Reforms: Guterres holds talks with political leaders, Consensus Building Commission "Reforms and justice are among its key commitments to the people. Therefore, fundamental reforms must be initiated during this government's tenure, and all political parties must reach a consensus—something that is being referred to as the ‘July Charter’,” he said.  Highlighting the need for a Constituent Assembly election, Nahid said that the upcoming national election should also include elections for a legislative body and the assembly. He also stressed the importance of ensuring justice and expressed appreciation for the UN’s role in supporting Bangladesh’s reform process, particularly in the aftermath of the July uprising.  Nahid reiterated that the NCP has called for the swift implementation of the July Charter and insisted that constitutional reforms should be carried out through a Constituent Assembly. “Amending the constitution solely through Parliament will not be sustainable,” he noted.  Nahid Islam said, “We have conveyed our party’s position. The UN Secretary-General, from his standpoint, has encouraged Bangladesh’s political parties and the government to reach a consensus and uphold the true essence of democracy by working together in unity.”

Noting that this is a ground zero for the impact of budget cuts on people in desperate need, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Friday said the international community has an obligation to invest now in that aid for people who have already suffered so much. In this holy month of Ramadan, he appealed to the international community to show solidarity through action and concrete support for the Rohingya people and their Bangladeshi host communities. "We are on the verge of a deep humanitarian crisis. With the announced cuts in financial assistance, we are facing the dramatic risk of having only 40 per cent in 2025 of the resources available for humanitarian aid in 2024. That would be an unmitigated disaster," he said at Camp 20 Extension Ukhiya, stressing that people will suffer and people will die. When Chief Adviser Dr Yunus and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres arrived at the camp at 5:35 pm, they were greeted by Rohingyas waving their hands. Both Dr Yunus and Guterres responded warmly. Later, they joined ‘Ramadan Solidarity Iftar’ with one lakh Rohingyas. UN chief promises to ensure funds for Rohingya humanitarian aid UN agencies — as well as many humanitarian and development NGOs — are confronting the prospect of enormous funding cuts, Guterres said before joining Iftar with the Rohingyas hosted by Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus at the Rohingya camp. This will have a direct and dire impact on people – on whether they have enough food to survive, on basic health care, on other essential services and protection, he said. The entire refugee population depends on humanitarian aid, Guterres said. "Here it is clear, budget reductions are not about numbers on a balance sheet. Funding cuts have dramatic human costs," the UN chief said, adding that ultimately the solution must be found in Myanmar.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Friday said they will do everything possible to ensure required funds for the Rohingya to avoid a situation in which people would suffer. "I can promise that we'll do everything to avoid it and I will be talking to all the countries in the world that can support us in order to make sure that funds are made available," he told reporters at Balukhali Rohingya camp (Camp 18). Guterres said they cannot accept that the international community forgets about the Rohingya, and his voice will speak loud to the international community. Ramadan Solidarity: Dr Yunus, Guterres in Cox’s Bazar to join iftar with Rohingyas The UN chief said they urgently need more support because this population badly needs that support to be able to live in dignity here in Bangladesh. Guterres said Rohingyas want to go back to Myanmar. It's essential that the international community does everything to make sure that peace is reestablished in Myanmar, and that the rights of the Rohingyas are respected, he said. Guterres visited UN-run different facilities, including IOM's Rohingya cultural memorial centre in Camp 18, Ukhiya. Earlier, Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus and Guterres arrived here in Cox’s Bazar on Friday afternoon to attend a number programmes, including a tour to the Rohingya refugee camp. Disaster Management and Relief Adviser Faruk E Azam Bir Protik received them upon their arrival at Cox’s Bazar International Airport. Count on UN to help build sustainable, equitable future for all: Guterres tells Dr Yunus The Chief Adviser will join the UN chief at the Rohingya camp before the iftar. The UN chief will share an Iftar with the refugees to be hosted by Dr Yunus. The UN chief and Dr Yunus will meet Rohingya refugees who have been forcibly displaced from their homes in Myanmar. They will also meet the host Bangladeshi communities who have been so generous in hosting them. "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. UN chief speaks with Rohingya children at learning centre Dr Yunus and Guterres are scheduled to return to Dhaka tonight (Friday night). In the morning, the UN chief had a bilateral meeting with Chief Adviser Dr Yunus and discussed the issues of mutual interests, including the Rohingya refugee crisis. The meeting was held at the Chief Adviser's Office in Tejgaon. Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain and Chief Adviser's High Representative Dr Khalilur Rahman also met Guterres at a city hotel, before his meeting with the Chief Adviser. On Saturday in Dhaka, the Secretary-General will meet the youth and representatives from civil society, said an official at the UN office in Dhaka. UN chief Guterres reaches Rohingya camp in Cox’s Bazar He will also have a joint press conference with the Foreign Adviser Hossain on Saturday afternoon. Guterres is scheduled to leave Bangladesh on Sunday morning.  

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Friday expressed appreciation for the close cooperation between the United Nations and Bangladesh as well as for Bangladesh’s generosity towards Rohingya refugees. The Secretary-General also expressed his solidarity with Bangladesh’s reform and transition process when Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain and High Representative to the Chief Adviser of Bangladesh on Rohingya Issues and Priority Affairs Khalilur Rahman met him on Friday. Ramadan Solidarity: Dr Yunus, Guterres in Cox’s Bazar to join iftar with Rohingyas Antonio Guterres thanked Bangladesh for its strong commitment to UN peacekeeping, said the UN office.  The Secretary-General and the Foreign Adviser discussed Bangladesh’s ongoing transition and reform efforts. Antonio Guterres and the High Representative discussed the situation in Rakhine state and the upcoming High-Level Conference on Rohingya and other minorities in Myanmar.

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres arrived here in the sea-front town on Friday afternoon to attend a number programmes, including a tour to the Rohingya refugee camp. Disaster Management and Relief Adviser Faruk E Azam Bir Protik received them upon their arrival at Cox’s Bazar International Airport at around 12:55pm. UN Under-Secretary General and High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States (UN-OHRLLS) Rabab Fatima, Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain, SDGs Affairs Principal Coordinator Lamiya Morshed and Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam are accompanying them. The chief adviser will visit the under-construction Cox's Bazar International Airport and the Khurushkul Climate Refugee Center before visiting the Rohingya camp. The UN chief will share an Iftar with the refugees, to be hosted by Dr Yunus. The UN chief and Dr Yunus will meet with Rohingya refugees who have been forcibly displaced from their homes in Myanmar. They will also meet with the host Bangladeshi communities who have been so generous in hosting them. Count on UN to help build sustainable, equitable future for all: Guterres tells 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.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Friday pledged UN support to Bangladesh to build a sustainable and equitable future for all. "As the country undergoes important reforms and transitions, you can count on the UN to help build a sustainable and equitable future for all," he said after his meeting with Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus at the Chief Adviser’s Office in the morning. The UN chief thanked Dr Yunus, the interim government and the people of Bangladesh for their warm welcome. The UN Secretary-General and Dr Yunus discussed the issues of mutual interests, including the Rohingya refugee crisis. Guterres expressed his full support for the reform process initiated by Bangladesh's interim government and voiced concerns for declining humanitarian aid for more than a million Rohingya refugees living in the country's southeast. The UN chief reaffirmed the UN’s commitment to Dhaka's reform agenda and voiced his concerns for "one of the most discriminated peoples" in the world during a meeting with Bangladesh Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus at his Tejgaon office in Dhaka. "I want to express our total commitment to the reform process. We are here to support your reforms. We wish you all the best. Whatever we can do, let us know," the UN Secretary General told Professor Yunus during his hour-long meeting. UN chief speaks with Rohingya children at learning centre He hoped that the reforms would lead to a free and fair election and a "real transformation" of the country. "I know the process of reforms can be complex," he said. Guterres said he was also here to express solidarity with Myanmar's forcibly displaced Rohingya people during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. "I've never seen a population so discriminated against. The International community is forgetting the Rohingya," the UN Secretary General said as he voiced his deep concern over declining humanitarian aid for the 1.2 million Rohingya refugees who live in camps in Bangladesh's Cox's Bazar district. "(Aid) cuts are a crime," he said, adding that Western nations were now doubling up on defense spending while humanitarian aid is squeezed across the globe. Guterres also expressed the UN's "enormous gratitude" to Bangladesh for hosting the Rohingya refugees. "Bangladesh has been extremely generous to the Rohingya people." "Rohingyas are a special case for me," he added.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called for redoubling efforts to detect, protect, and support survivors and leave no trafficking victim behind. "Together, let us build a world where no one can ever be bought, sold, or exploited," he said in a message marking World Day against Trafficking in Persons. Human trafficking is a heinous violation of fundamental human rights and freedoms. "It preys on vulnerability and thrives in times of conflict and instability," said the UN chief. Amidst growing inequalities, worsening climate emergencies, and record displacement – more and more people are left vulnerable to traffickers, he said. North Korea calls UN's Guterres 'puppet of US' after launch The majority of detected victims are women and children, many of whom suffer brutal violence, forced labour, and horrific sexual exploitation and abuse. "Yet traffickers continue to operate with impunity. Their crimes are receiving not nearly enough attention. This must change," Guterres said. Guterres to meet Putin, Zelenskyy next week "We must invest much more in detection and protection. We must strengthen law enforcement to bring criminals that commodify human beings to justice. And we must do more to help survivors rebuild their lives," he said. Guterres hopes Bangladesh to continue support to UN peace operations