UN Secretary-General’s visit:
Bangladesh has not sought any assistance from UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres for the return of ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina from India, Foreign Affairs Adviser Towhid Hossain said. He made the disclosure in response to a question from reporters at a joint press conference with the UN Secretary-General on Saturday (March 14).
Towhid Hossain said the UN Secretary-General understood the complexity of the reform process for a free and fair election and a ‘real transformation’ of the country. He pledged the UN’s full support for the reform process led by the Chief Adviser. The Secretary-General said he would do whatever he could to support the efforts of the interim government and stand by Bangladesh and its people.
The UN chief also expressed concern about the disinformation campaign being waged against Bangladesh, said Towhid Hossain.
UN Secretary-General’s visit:
He said, ‘This visit will play an effective role against the disinformation campaign being waged to destabilize Bangladesh.’ His assurance of support will help us in our successful reform process and the transition to democracy in line with the general aspirations of the people of Bangladesh.’
The Secretary-General attended three meetings to understand the aspirations of the people for the future of Bangladesh. The meetings were attended by youth, civil society and members of the Reform Commission. Their contributions are paving the way for the July Charter – a blueprint for the country’s democratic transformation and political, judicial, electoral, administrative, anti-corruption and police reforms, said Towhid Hossain.
During the visit, the Secretary-General learned about the desire of the Rohingya to return to their homeland, retain their identity and live a life of dignity.
He said, ‘They (Rohingyas) have clearly said that they want to see a dignified life in Rakhine, not in the Cox’s Bazar camps. They say even a worm has its own house but we do not. The Secretary-General expressed solidarity with the aspirations of the Rohingyas by visiting the Rohingya camps.
The Foreign Affairs Adviser further said, “He (Guterres) spoke strongly to stand by the Rohingyas, to draw the urgent attention of the international community to their cause, to keep the spotlight on them. He also assured support for the successful holding of the UN conference on the Rohingyas in September 2025.”
