United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has reaffirmed the UN’s commitment to rallying international support for Bangladesh as it hosts forcibly displaced Rohingya refugees. In a letter dated February 25 to Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus, Guterres outlined steps to address the ongoing crisis.“I share your concerns about the Rohingya crisis’ impact on Bangladesh and the region, as well as the worsening humanitarian conditions in Rakhine,” Guterres wrote. He pledged to leverage his good offices, including through his Special Envoy on Myanmar, to collaborate with regional actors, ASEAN, and other stakeholders for a political resolution in Myanmar that ensures the safe, voluntary return of the Rohingya to Rakhine. Guterres revealed he has directed senior UN managers to guide Country Teams in Bangladesh and Myanmar to enhance humanitarian aid and livelihood support for Rakhine communities. “The UN will prioritize this issue,” he assured, noting the roles of the Emergency Relief Coordinator and Myanmar’s Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in securing safe, rapid, and unhindered access to those in need across Rakhine and beyond.

Expressing optimism, Guterres highlighted the upcoming High-level Conference on Rohingya Muslims and other minorities in Myanmar as a chance to refocus global attention and explore broader solutions. “We look forward to the Conference’s outcomes, post-Member State consultations, to determine how the UN can best contribute,” he added.

The Secretary-General underscored the UN’s “strong solidarity” with Bangladesh and its backing of the transition process under Professor Yunus’ leadership. He thanked Yunus for his February 4 letter, delivered by Khalilur Rahman, High Representative for the Rohingya Crisis and Priority Affairs, during their February 7 meeting, signaling a deepening partnership amid the protracted humanitarian challenge.