Rohingya funding crisis:
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has assured that all efforts will be made to ensure the necessary funds for the Rohingya. While visiting the Balukhali Rohingya camp in Ukhiya on Wednesday (March 14), he said, “I promise that we will do everything we can to avoid a funding crisis. I will talk to all countries in the world to help us and ensure adequate funding.” Guterres said he will be vocal so that the international community does not forget the Rohingya. More assistance is urgently needed for the Rohingya to live a dignified life.
He also said that the Rohingya want to return to Myanmar. It is important for the international community to continue all efforts to establish peace in Myanmar and ensure the rights of the Rohingya.
Guterres visited various facilities, including the IOM-run Rohingya Cultural Memorial Center, in the Balukhali camp.
Earlier, UN Secretary-General and Nobel laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus arrived in Cox’s Bazar on Wednesday afternoon. They were welcomed at the Cox’s Bazar International Airport by Disaster Management and Relief Advisor Farooq-e-Azam Bir Pratik.
Guterres visited the Rohingya camp with Yunus before the iftar. Later, the UN Secretary-General hosted an iftar with the Rohingya refugees.
Guterres said, “Every Ramadan, I spend time with the Muslim community in distress, fast with them and try to shed light on their suffering. This time, I have come to Bangladesh to express solidarity with the Rohingya refugees and the people of Bangladesh, who shelter them.”
On Thursday morning, the UN Secretary-General held a bilateral meeting with Professor Yunus. Various issues including the Rohingya crisis were discussed in the meeting. Later, Foreign Affairs Advisor Md. Towhid Hossain and Professor Yunus’ representative Dr. Khalilur Rahman met Guterres.
On Saturday, the UN Secretary-General will meet with representatives of youth and civil society in Dhaka. Later, he will hold a joint press conference with the State Minister for Foreign Affairs.
The UN Secretary-General is scheduled to leave Bangladesh on Sunday morning.
