Touhid urges global action on Rohingya crisis at UN Security Council

Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain has cautioned that the ongoing Rohingya crisis risks escalating into a significant regional security threat unless urgent, sustainable solutions are found.

“Our humanitarian efforts have brought immense socio-economic and environmental challenges, and the situation now presents new security risks,” Hossain said.

He made the remarks during a high-level open debate at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) on Thursday, titled “The Impact of Poverty, Underdevelopment and Conflict on International Peace and Security,” held at UN headquarters in New York.

Hossain highlighted that for over eight years, Bangladesh has hosted approximately 1.2 million Rohingya refugees fleeing persecution by Myanmar’s military regime.

“Protracted crises often stem from systemic marginalization,” he noted, calling for renewed international focus and action to ensure the safe and dignified return of the Rohingya.

“This is not just a matter of justice but crucial to preventing potential instability in our region,” he added.

Addressing the broader context, Hossain emphasized the interconnected global challenges of poverty, underdevelopment, and conflict. “To preserve international peace and security, addressing these issues is essential, not optional,” he said.

Highlighting Bangladesh’s history, he said the country’s youth have consistently been drivers of positive change—from the 1952 Language Movement and the Liberation War to the recent student-led “Monsoon Revolution.”

“We understand the consequences when young people are denied education and employment opportunities,” he stressed.

Hossain further noted that many current development and security challenges arise from centuries of political and economic inequities. “Correcting these imbalances is a shared responsibility.”

Bangladesh advocates for the bold vision of Nobel Laureate Prof Muhammad Yunus, who proposes the “three zeros”: zero poverty, zero unemployment, and net zero carbon emissions.

“These goals are foundational to lasting peace and stability,” Hossain said.

He also underscored the importance of stronger coordination across the United Nations’ three pillars, calling for enhanced collaboration between the Security Council, ECOSOC, and the Peacebuilding Commission to align peacebuilding with development realities on the ground.

Highlighting the transformative potential of “social business,” pioneered by Prof Yunus, he said: “By prioritizing people over profits, such enterprises foster inclusive growth and reduce grievances that can lead to unrest. We believe this approach offers valuable lessons globally.”

Concluding, the adviser reaffirmed Bangladesh’s commitment to working with all stakeholders toward a more just, peaceful, and secure world.