Yunus urges renewed global attention on the Rohingya crisis

On Tuesday, Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus emphasized the need to refocus global attention on the Rohingya crisis, highlighting the additional burden placed on Bangladesh by the recent influx of approximately 100,000 refugees. Speaking with UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Yunus expressed concerns over the worsening situation, noting that more Rohingyas were being forced into Bangladesh.  

Yunus called for the UN Refugee Agency's (UNHCR) support in hosting a major global conference this year to work towards a sustainable resolution to the crisis. Grandi assured Yunus of UNHCR’s full cooperation, affirming the agency’s readiness to support Bangladesh in its efforts. This initiative builds on Yunus’s earlier proposal at the UN General Assembly in September to convene such a conference for a peaceful and durable solution to the crisis. "Your voice will be more critical," Yunus remarked during the discussion.  

Grandi also acknowledged Bangladesh’s decision to allow Rohingya refugees to use improved materials for constructing shelters, a shift from the previous restriction to bamboo and tarpaulins.  

The two leaders further addressed the humanitarian situation in Myanmar’s Rakhine State, where the Arakan Army continues to clash with the Myanmar military. Yunus shared that he had appointed a high representative for the Rohingya crisis to coordinate efforts among government bodies and international agencies.