UN Secretary-General António Guterres arrived in Bangladesh on Thursday for a four-day visit, highlighting the plight of Rohingya refugees and urging the international community to step up humanitarian assistance.

On Friday afternoon, Guterres will visit the Rohingya camps in Cox’s Bazar alongside Chief Adviser Prof. Muhammad Yunus, where he is expected to issue a global appeal for increased aid for the displaced community. He will also join an Iftar hosted by Dr. Yunus, sharing the breaking of fast with a million Rohingya refugees.

"Every Ramadan, I spend time with Muslim communities facing hardship, observing the fast with them and shining a spotlight on their challenges. This year, I am in Bangladesh to express solidarity with the Rohingya refugees and the Bangladeshi people hosting them," Guterres stated.

High-Level Meetings on Rohingya Crisis

Before departing for Cox’s Bazar, Guterres met with Foreign Affairs Adviser Touhid Hossain and Dr. Khalilur Rahman, High Representative on Rohingya Issues, at Hotel InterContinental. Discussions centered on the crisis and the need for sustainable solutions.

The UN chief also held a bilateral meeting with Chief Adviser Prof. Yunus before departing for Cox’s Bazar on a chartered Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight. His visit includes engagements with both Rohingya refugees and host communities, recognizing Bangladesh’s generosity in sheltering over 1.2 million displaced people for the past eight years.

Bangladesh Calls for Stronger UN Leadership in Repatriation Efforts

Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam reaffirmed Bangladesh’s commitment to finding a durable solution through the safe and dignified repatriation of Rohingyas to Myanmar.

"We urge the Secretary-General to invest his leadership in ensuring progress toward early repatriation and securing continued international aid for Rohingya refugees," Alam told reporters.

Recent conflicts in Myanmar's Rakhine State have raised concerns, with Bangladesh maintaining operational contact with regional actors to safeguard border stability and peace. Alam emphasized that sustainable repatriation should remain the top priority of the global community.

Challenges in Humanitarian Aid and Security Concerns

With over 80,000 new Rohingya arrivals in recent months, Bangladesh is struggling to manage the growing humanitarian burden. Alam warned that dwindling international aid has already led to reductions in daily food rations, severely affecting women and children.

"This funding shortfall has serious social and security implications within the camps and the host communities," Alam cautioned, urging donors and the UN to prioritize assistance.

Given the worsening humanitarian situation in Myanmar’s Rakhine State, Bangladesh has expressed willingness to support UN-led relief efforts in the region.

Guterres' Schedule in Bangladesh

On Saturday, Guterres will return to Dhaka for meetings with youth representatives and civil society groups before holding a joint press conference with Foreign Adviser Hossain in the afternoon. His visit will conclude on Sunday morning.