UN Chief Reaffirms Support for Bangladesh During Political Transition

UN Chief Praises Bangladesh’s Progress, Calls for Global Support Amid Political Transition

During a media briefing on Saturday, UN Secretary-General António Guterres commended Bangladesh’s progress and emphasized the importance of international cooperation in shaping the country’s future.

A Crucial Time for Bangladesh

“It is a privilege to be in Bangladesh at this significant juncture in your national history,” Guterres stated, acknowledging Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus’s leadership and the aspirations of the Bangladeshi people for democracy, justice, and prosperity.

Bangladesh is currently undergoing a political transition following the resignation of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina last August, after weeks of student-led demonstrations. The protests resulted in a violent crackdown by security forces, causing the deaths of over 300 people, including children, and injuring more than 20,000.

Ms. Hasina had held office since January 2009, previously serving as Prime Minister from 1996 to 2001.

Global Support for a Just and Prosperous Future

“This is a defining moment for Bangladesh, and the international community must contribute to your efforts toward a just, inclusive, and prosperous future,” Guterres asserted.

He reassured the nation that the UN stands as a steadfast partner in helping Bangladesh achieve sustainable and equitable development.

“As the country enacts significant reforms, the UN is prepared to support efforts in fostering peace, national dialogue, trust, and reconciliation,” he added.

Demonstrating Solidarity

Guterres’s visit, during the holy month of Ramadan, was an opportunity to express solidarity with both the people of Bangladesh and the Rohingya refugees residing in the country.

Bangladesh continues to host over one million Rohingya refugees who fled violence in Myanmar. The most significant influx occurred following military attacks in 2017, which the then UN High Commissioner for Human Rights described as a “textbook example of ethnic cleansing.”

On Friday, Guterres visited refugee camps in Cox’s Bazar, engaging with Rohingya refugees and participating in an Iftar meal with them and host community members.

“My visit to Cox’s Bazar was deeply moving,” he said. “Ramadan reminds us of the universal values that unite humanity—compassion, empathy, and generosity. Bangladesh embodies these values through its commitment to peace, development, and humanitarian assistance.”

Bangladesh’s Role in UN Peacekeeping

The Secretary-General also acknowledged Bangladesh’s significant contributions to UN peacekeeping missions.

As one of the largest contributors to peacekeeping forces, Bangladesh has deployed thousands of troops to some of the world’s most volatile regions.

“I want to commend the bravery and dedication of Bangladeshi peacekeepers,” Guterres said.

During his visit, he held discussions with Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, Foreign Adviser Md. Towhid Hossain, and Khalilur Rahman, High Representative on Rohingya Issues. He also met with local youth leaders and civil society representatives.

Urgent Need for Rohingya Refugee Support

While praising Bangladesh’s humanitarian efforts, Guterres stressed the ongoing need for international support for Rohingya refugees.

“By providing sanctuary to the Rohingya, Bangladesh has shown unwavering solidarity and respect for human dignity, despite immense social, environmental, and economic challenges,” he noted.

However, dwindling international funding for humanitarian aid threatens to exacerbate the crisis.

Guterres cautioned that funding shortages could lead to severe food aid reductions, warning, “This would be a catastrophe—people would suffer, and lives would be lost.”

A Call for Sustainable Rohingya Repatriation

Beyond immediate humanitarian aid, Guterres underscored the need for a lasting solution to the Rohingya crisis through safe, voluntary, and dignified repatriation to Myanmar.

Yet, conditions in Myanmar remain dire, with escalating violence and human rights violations, particularly in Rakhine State, further displacing civilians.

“The intensification of violence and human rights abuses in Myanmar, including in Rakhine, is causing immense suffering and forcing more people to flee,” he said.

He called on all parties in Myanmar to prioritize civilian protection, curb violence, and create democratic conditions that would enable the safe and dignified return of the Rohingya.