Dhaka, March 15 (H.S.): United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed deep concern on Saturday about the dire situation of Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh and urged the international community for financial and political support. He stated that a humanitarian crisis could arise if Rohingya refugees and the Bangladeshi communities hosting them do not receive adequate support.
Guterres arrived in Dhaka on Friday for a four-day visit to Bangladesh. Today, he toured Cox’s Bazar, where millions of Rohingya refugees are living in difficult conditions in temporary camps. He closely observed the situation there and emphasized the need for global support to address this crisis.
Guterres described the reduction of humanitarian assistance to Bangladesh from the US and European countries as a crime.
He said that due to these cuts, the future of Rohingya refugees, who are already enduring harsh conditions, has become even more uncertain. He urged the international community not to overlook this crisis and to ensure financial and political support for the refugees.
The UN Secretary-General praised the extraordinary generosity of the Bangladeshi government and people, who have provided refuge to Rohingya refugees despite heavy social, economic, and environmental challenges.
Guterres assured that the United Nations is fully committed to finding a lasting solution to the Rohingya crisis. He mentioned that conducive conditions should be created in Myanmar to ensure the voluntary, safe, dignified, and sustainable return of the refugees. He also informed that UN member states are planning to hold a high-level conference on the situation of Rohingya Muslims and other minorities to find a long-term solution to this crisis.
Guterres stated that this time he visited Bangladesh to express solidarity with Rohingya refugees and the Bangladeshi citizens hosting them. Previously, he had visited Cox’s Bazar in 2018, where he also appealed for international support.
Bangladesh government foreign adviser Touhid Hussain also participated in this joint press conference to discuss the Rohingya refugee crisis. It is expected that Guterres’ visit will lead to positive steps towards garnering more global assistance for Rohingya refugees.
Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
