António Guterres set to visit Dhaka, with focus on Rohingya crisis and human rights issues

António Guterres to Visit Bangladesh, Rohingya Crisis and Human Rights in Focus

UN Secretary-General António Guterres is set to arrive in Bangladesh on Thursday for a four-day visit, marking his second trip to the country in seven years. Discussions during his visit will emphasize the Rohingya crisis and various human rights issues.

According to officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Guterres will meet with the interim government’s Chief Adviser, Muhammad Yunus, on Friday night. Following their meeting, both will travel to Cox’s Bazar on the same flight to assess the Rohingya refugee situation firsthand. During the visit, they will also join an iftar with Rohingya refugees.

Speaking to Prothom Alo about the visit, UN Resident Coordinator in Bangladesh, Gwyn Lewis, stated that Guterres’ trip during Ramadan is in response to a request from the Chief Adviser, as he traditionally visits Muslim-majority countries during this period to express solidarity. The visit will focus on the Rohingya situation and international cooperation in addressing the crisis.

When asked about discussions regarding Bangladesh’s ongoing reforms, elections, and the UN’s role, Lewis emphasized the UN’s longstanding support for the people of Bangladesh. She expressed hope that both the interim and future elected governments would communicate their priorities and the type of assistance they require from the UN, reaffirming the organization’s commitment to cooperation.

Visit Schedule and Key Meetings

Guterres will be welcomed at the airport on Thursday by Foreign Adviser Md Touhid Hossain before heading to his hotel. The following morning, he will meet with the Foreign Adviser and Khalilur Rahman, the Chief Adviser’s special representative on the Rohingya crisis and other key issues.

Later, he will hold a meeting with Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus at his office, after which they will travel together to Cox’s Bazar. UN agencies in the region will brief Guterres on their humanitarian activities in the refugee camps. Following his camp visit, the UN Secretary-General will break his fast with the Rohingya community as a gesture of solidarity during Ramadan. He and the Chief Adviser will return to Dhaka later that night.

On Saturday, Guterres will visit the UN office in Dhaka and engage with officials. Later, he will participate in a roundtable discussion at his hotel, where he will interact with Bangladeshi youth and civil society representatives. A joint media briefing is scheduled for the afternoon.

In the evening, Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus will host an iftar and dinner in honor of Guterres. The UN Secretary-General is scheduled to depart from Dhaka on Sunday.

UN Seeks Bangladesh’s Support for Rakhine Crisis

The UN has expressed concern over a worsening humanitarian crisis in Myanmar’s Rakhine State, where the ongoing civil war has severely impacted the local economy.

The organization has warned Bangladesh that if the emerging famine in Rakhine is not addressed, not only Rohingya but also people from other communities may attempt to cross the border into Bangladesh. As a result, the UN has sought Bangladesh’s cooperation in tackling the crisis.

However, Bangladesh has yet to respond positively to this appeal, viewing it as a potential threat to national security and stability.

In October last year, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) released a 12-page report highlighting the deteriorating conditions in Rakhine. The report noted that due to border closures, the state is cut off from essential goods, leading to severe inflation, declining food production, and a lack of emergency services and social safety programs.

The UN fears that the situation will worsen in the coming months, with famine expected to take hold in Rakhine by March or April.