Yunus urges global support to sustain Rohingya children’s education

Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus has called on the international community to urgently increase global funding to maintain the education system for Rohingya children.

Dr. Yunus made the appeal during a meeting with UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell at a hotel in New York on Monday. The discussion focused on the ongoing Rohingya crisis and the severe funding shortfall affecting humanitarian programs for over one million Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh.

Describing the funding gap as a “serious challenge,” Dr. Yunus said many schools have already been forced to close, leaving thousands of Rohingya teachers unemployed. “This is a major disaster. The education system in the camps had brought new hope to hundreds of thousands of children. We are concerned about children growing up with anger and resentment, which could manifest at any time,” he said.

Dr. Yunus urged UNICEF to step up advocacy to continue and expand educational programs for the Rohingya community.

UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell highlighted the difficult global funding situation, noting that even traditionally generous European countries have reduced contributions to humanitarian efforts. She also called on the Bangladesh government to provide training opportunities for Rohingya youth, enabling them to use these skills upon returning home.

UNICEF Deputy Executive Director Ted Chaiban emphasized the positive impact of education in the camps, stating, “The education rate among Rohingya children has increased significantly.”

The meeting also included discussions about the upcoming high-level Rohingya conference at the United Nations headquarters. Other attendees included NCP senior leader Tasnim Zara and SDG Chief Coordinator Lamia Morshed.