United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres and Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus arrived in Cox’s Bazar to assess the conditions of over one million Rohingya refugees residing in the region.
Their visit comes amid escalating concerns about significant reductions in international aid, particularly following the cessation of USAID operations, which threatens to exacerbate the already dire humanitarian situation in the camps.
Upon landing at Cox’s Bazar Airport at approximately 12:48 PM, Guterres and Yunus were received by Disaster Management and Relief Adviser Faruk E Azam. The itinerary included the inauguration of a new project at the airport and a visit to the Khurushkul climate refugee center.
A significant highlight of their visit was participating in an Iftar with around 100,000 Rohingya refugees, fostering solidarity during the holy month of Ramadan.
During the camp tour, Guterres engaged with Rohingya youth and children and inspected key facilities such as the Watch Tower, Learning Centre, Multi-purpose Service Centre, and a jute goods production site.
These engagements aimed to provide the UN chief with a comprehensive understanding of the refugees’ daily challenges and the operational hurdles faced by aid organizations.
The visit holds particular significance against the backdrop of potential aid reductions. The World Food Programme (WFP) has warned that, without sufficient funding, food rations could be halved from the current $12.50 to $6 per month starting in April.
This development has raised alarms about increased hunger and malnutrition among the refugee population.
Expressing deep concern, Guterres emphasized the urgency of sustained international support to prevent a humanitarian catastrophe. He underscored the necessity for global solidarity, stating that the Rohingya crisis is not solely Bangladesh’s burden but a shared responsibility requiring immediate and concerted action.
Chief Adviser Yunus echoed these sentiments, labeling the protracted Rohingya crisis as a “ticking time bomb” that could destabilize the region if left unaddressed. He called for innovative solutions and renewed international commitment to facilitate the dignified and sustainable repatriation of the Rohingya to their homeland in Myanmar.
The duo’s visit is anticipated to reignite global attention on the plight of the Rohingya, mobilize resources, and galvanize efforts toward a durable solution to one of the world’s most pressing refugee crises.
