UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Saturday recognised people’s hopes for a future of greater democracy, justice and prosperity in Bangladesh as the country undergoes a 'significant transition' under the leadeship of Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus.
"This is a pivotal moment for Bangladesh and the international community must play its part in supporting your efforts toward a just, inclusive and prosperous future," he told reporters at a joint briefing at a city hotel together with Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain.
Reforms: Guterres holds talks with political leaders, Consensus Building Commission
As the country undergoes important reforms and transitions, Guterres assured that the UN stands ready to assist in fostering peace, national dialogue, trust and healing.
"You can count on the UN to be your steadfast partner, working alongside the people of Bangladesh to help build a sustainable and equitable future for all," said the UN chief.
He underscored Bangladesh’s extraordinary generosity in responding to the Rohingya crisis.
The Secretary-General said as they come together in this sacred month of Ramadan, it is more important than ever to focus on solidarity and shared humanity.
In this spirit, he said, they will continue standing with the people of Bangladesh as ‘you navigate the challenges and opportunities ahead’.
"I am deeply honoured to share this moment with you. May this Ramadan bring peace, blessings, and renewed hope to all," Guterres said.
For years, he said, the people of this nation, especially the communities in Cox’s Bazar, have hosted over a million refugees fleeing violence and persecution.
By offering Rohingya refugees sanctuary, Bangladesh has demonstrated solidarity and human dignity, often at significant social, environmental and economic cost, he said.
"The world must not take this generosity for granted. I will continue to urge the international community to take greater responsibility and provide the necessary financial and political support for both the refugees and their host communities," Guterres said.
In Cox’s Bazar on Friday, he mentioned that they are on the verge of a deep humanitarian crisis. "With the announced cuts in financial assistance, we are facing the dramatic risk of having only 40 per cent in 2025 of the resources available for humanitarian aid in 2024," Guterres said.
This would have terrible consequences, starting with the drastic reduction of food rations, he said.
"That would be an unmitigated disaster. People will suffer and people will die. I strongly appeal to the international community to allow us to avoid this tragedy," Guterres said.
The United Nations is fully committed to working with Bangladesh and others in finding a lasting solution to the Rohingya crisis that enables their safe, voluntary, dignified, and sustainable return to Myanmar, he said.
UN chief Guterres opens new "UN House in Bangladesh"
Planning is also well underway by UN Member States for a High-Level Conference on the situation of Rohingya Muslims and other minorities in Myanmar.
"We know the situation there continues to deteriorate. The escalation of violence and human rights violations across Myanmar, including in Rakhine State, are causing civilian casualties and driving displacement internally and across borders," Guterres said.
He called on all parties in Myanmar to exercise maximum restraint, prioritize the protection of civilians in accordance with international humanitarian law, and prevent further incitement of communal tension and violence – paving the way for democracy to take root.
Guterres joined a roundtable discussion on reform proposals participated by representatives of political parties, National Consensus Building Commission and other stakeholders.
UN Under Secretary General Rabab Fatima, Bangladesh’s Law Adviser Dr Asif, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed and representatives of other political parties, Prof Ali Riaz, Dr Iftekharuzzaman, Badiul Alam Majumdar and UN Resident Coordinator in Bangladesh Gwyn Lewis were, among others, present at the dialogue held at Hotel InterContinental.
Guterres later joined another dialogue with youths and a meeting with members of civil society at the same venue.
Earlier in the morning, UN Secretary-General Guterres officially opened a new "UN House in Bangladesh" in the city.
Industries, Housing and Public Works Adviser Adilur Rahman Khan; Environment, Forests and Climate Change Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan and UN Resident Coordinator in Bangladesh Gwyn Lewis were, among others, present.
The UN chief visited the new UN Common Premises to view the 50th anniversary photo exhibition and joined the official UN flag-raising.
The visit followed a meeting with UN Country Team Bangladesh.
Secretary-General Guterres met Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Friday.
The Secretary-General expressed appreciation for the close cooperation between the United Nations and Bangladesh, including its contributions to peacekeeping.
UN views Bangladesh's reform issues as internal matter, says BNP
The Secretary-General and the Chief Adviser discussed the situation of the Rohingya and Bangladesh’s domestic issues.
The Secretary-General expressed his solidarity with Bangladesh’s reform and transition process, according to a readout shared by the UN.