UN Chief Guterres to Visit Bangladesh

Dhaka

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is set to visit Dhaka from March 13-16, reaffirming the UN’s commitment to supporting Bangladesh in hosting forcibly displaced Rohingyas.

Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS) reported that Guterres' visit follows an invitation from Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus. The invitation was delivered on February 7 by Khalilur Rahman, High Representative on the Rohingya Issue, during a meeting in New York.

In a letter to Yunus on February 25, Guterres acknowledged concerns over the Rohingya crisis and worsening conditions in Myanmar’s Rakhine state. He pledged continued engagement through his Special Envoy and collaboration with ASEAN and regional actors to create conditions for the safe, voluntary return of Rohingyas.

Guterres has directed UN teams in Bangladesh and Myanmar to enhance humanitarian aid and livelihood support for affected communities. He also emphasized the importance of the upcoming High-Level Conference on Rohingya Muslims and Myanmar’s minorities in mobilizing global attention and solutions.

Reaffirming the UN’s solidarity with Bangladesh, Guterres expressed support for its transition process under Yunus’ leadership. Currently, nearly one million Rohingya refugees live in Cox’s Bazar, making it the world’s largest refugee settlement. Most fled persecution in Myanmar in 2017, seeking safety in Bangladesh.