How significant is the UN secretary-general’s visit?

The visit of the UN Secretary-General to Bangladesh commenced on March 14 with a meeting with the head of the interim government, Dr. Muhammad Yunus. During the meeting, the Chief Adviser briefed the UN Secretary-General on Bangladesh’s political situation, various reform initiatives undertaken by his government, the country’s economic status, the Rohingya issue, Bangladesh’s role in global peacekeeping, regional politics, and more. He also discussed the possible timing of the national elections, explaining that their timing—whether this year or the next—would depend on the implementation of ongoing reforms. The Chief Adviser reaffirmed his government’s commitment to ensuring free, fair, and participatory elections.

The UN Secretary-General assured full support for the reform programs initiated by the interim government, expressing optimism that these reforms would facilitate a fair election and a meaningful transformation of the country.

Regarding the repatriation of the Rohingya refugees, the Chief Adviser sought the UN Secretary-General’s assistance in ensuring that the Rohingya could return to their homes in Myanmar’s western Rakhine state. He also urged continued food and humanitarian aid for the Rohingya as long as they remain in Bangladesh. The UN Secretary-General assured that he would prioritize efforts to resolve the Rohingya crisis and mobilize support for them. Expressing deep concern over the reduction of humanitarian aid for the Rohingya living in Cox’s Bazar, he remarked, “Nowhere else in the world have I seen a community facing such extreme discrimination.”

He criticized the reduction of humanitarian aid as an injustice, pointing out that while Western countries have doubled their defense expenditures, they are cutting back on humanitarian assistance. The UN Secretary-General reiterated his commitment to finding a solution to the Rohingya crisis and prioritizing the mobilization of aid for them. He also commended Bangladesh’s peacekeeping forces, stating, “Bangladesh’s peacekeeping forces are extremely important to us.” The discussion also covered geopolitical matters, including the current state of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) and Bangladesh’s bilateral relations with neighboring countries.

At a press conference on March 15, the UN Secretary-General expressed his pleasure at visiting Bangladesh at such a critical moment. Recognizing the country’s transition, he stated that the United Nations acknowledges the people’s aspirations for greater democracy, justice, and prosperity. He urged the international community to play an active role in supporting Bangladesh’s efforts toward a just, inclusive, and prosperous future. He assured, “As Bangladesh undergoes significant reforms and changes, I want to reassure you that the UN stands ready to support peace, national dialogue, trust-building, and consensus. You can count on the UN as a steadfast partner in building a sustainable and just future for all.”

The UN Secretary-General emphasized the urgency of stopping violence in Myanmar and restoring democracy there. He called on the international community and Myanmar’s neighboring countries to exert greater pressure to resolve the crisis. He highlighted that addressing the situation in Myanmar is not just crucial for Bangladesh but also for the entire international community. He urged collective efforts to find a solution, starting with ending violence and establishing an effective framework for a genuine democratic resolution in Myanmar, which would naturally facilitate the repatriation of Rohingya refugees. He further stated, “At the same time, humanitarian aid inside Myanmar must be strengthened to create a conducive environment for repatriation.”

On the afternoon of March 15, the UN Secretary-General engaged in discussions with representatives of civil society. They openly discussed the possibilities and concerns arising from the changing political landscape. The issue of misinformation and misleading narratives was also addressed. The representatives highlighted that despite structural changes following years of misrule, good governance has yet to be fully established, increasing risks for women, religious minorities, and indigenous communities in Bangladesh. The UN Secretary-General listened to their concerns attentively. He acknowledged the complexity of the current situation in Bangladesh but noted that it has also opened new avenues for business and investment. However, he admitted that he needed to learn more about certain aspects of the country’s changing circumstances. He emphasized the importance of ongoing dialogue between political parties and civil society to facilitate Bangladesh’s democratic transition.

The Rohingya issue has two key aspects: their safe, dignified, and sustainable repatriation to their homeland and ensuring adequate food and humanitarian aid for them as long as they remain in Bangladesh. Realistically, both aspects face serious challenges. The repatriation process has remained stalled for a long time, and there is no indication that Myanmar’s junta government or the internal situation there will soon create a favorable environment for their return. Therefore, Bangladesh must focus on the second challenge—ensuring that the Rohingya receive the necessary support during their stay in Bangladesh. However, this does not mean that repatriation efforts should be abandoned. The solution must be pursued collectively with the global community. Given the current international and regional dynamics, how much progress Bangladesh can achieve remains an open question.

The UN Secretary-General’s visit is of significant importance for Bangladesh’s interim government. On the other hand, through various discussions, he has gained firsthand insights into the country’s unfolding events, which will undoubtedly influence the UN’s future support and cooperation with Bangladesh. While continuing its international efforts, Bangladesh must also ensure that Rohingya refugees in camps can live with dignity. The issue of education for the next generation of Rohingya refugees is another major challenge that must be addressed. Without access to higher education, a vast number of young refugees could become disillusioned, which would be detrimental to both the local population and the refugees themselves.

Funding for refugee management remains a significant challenge for Bangladesh. The annual decline in financial support for Rohingya refugees is an alarming concern. Ensuring sustainable financial aid is a crucial task for Bangladesh. In this context, the UN Secretary-General strongly opposed the reduction in food aid for the Rohingya and pledged to work towards increasing support for them. Given this complex situation, developing a comprehensive, pragmatic, and well-structured roadmap is essential. The approach should include multiple phases of work: international advocacy for the Rohingya crisis, diplomatic efforts for their voluntary and dignified repatriation, and improvements in the living conditions of refugees in camps so they can maintain a decent standard of life.

Raihan Ahmed Topadar: Researcher & Columnist