The United Nations Secretary-General’s much-anticipated visit to Bangladesh offers a ray of hope for progress on the Rohingya issue. The visit will focus on highlighting the unique challenges faced by the Rohingya community in Bangladesh, particularly during the holy month of Ramadan.
António Guterres, the Secretary-General of the United Nations, is set to embark on a four-day visit to Dhaka as part of his “Ramadan Solidarity Visit.” During this visit, Guterres will inspect the Rohingya camps in Cox’s Bazar, underscoring the importance of addressing the plight of the Rohingya people.
The visit will kick off with a press briefing at the Foreign Service Academy in the capital, where Guterres is expected to arrive on Thursday afternoon. He will engage in discussions with Prime Adviser Press Wing Jan, followed by a visit to the Rohingya camps where he will join the refugees for Iftar, the evening meal to break the fast during Ramadan.
Accompanied by Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus and Deputy Adviser Mo. Touhid Hossain, Guterres will also participate in an Iftar with a gathering of one lakh Rohingya refugees, underscoring the importance of solidarity and support for the Rohingya community.
Subsequent to his visit to the Rohingya camps, Guterres will tour the United Nations Headquarters in Dhaka the following day. He will engage in discussions with the National Coordination Commission and members of civil society. Additionally, he is scheduled to address a press conference and host an Iftar dinner and evening reception in honor of the United Nations Secretary-General.
Bangladesh has been hosting around 1.1 million Rohingya refugees for an extended period, with limited prospects for their repatriation. The overcrowded camps provide restricted opportunities for employment and education, exacerbating the challenges faced by the Rohingya population.
The Rohingya crisis has garnered international attention, prompting various global organizations to extend their support to Bangladesh in managing the humanitarian crisis. However, the complexity of the Rohingya issue persists, necessitating collaborative efforts to seek sustainable solutions.
In light of the escalating humanitarian crisis, discussions have been initiated to convene an international conference next year, aimed at addressing the Rohingya issue comprehensively. The conference intends to galvanize global support and solidarity towards resolving the Rohingya crisis effectively.
Guterres’ visit to Bangladesh follows the recent presence of Filippo Grandi, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, indicating a renewed momentum in addressing the Rohingya crisis. Guterres aims to engage with the Rohingya community directly, fostering dialogue and understanding to navigate the complexities of the issue.
As Guterres prepares for his trip to Cox’s Bazar to inspect the Rohingya camps, he is poised to engage in discussions with Chief Rohingya and Minority Rights Envoy Khalilur Rahman. The invitation extended by Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus underscores the collaborative approach towards addressing the Rohingya crisis.
The clock is ticking as anticipation mounts for Guterres’ visit to Bangladesh, marking a significant juncture in advancing efforts to address the Rohingya crisis. Stay tuned for updates on the unfolding developments and outcomes of this pivotal visit.
(Source: বাংলানিউজ)