Staff Reporter :
Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus on Friday reaffirmed his commitment to working closely with the United Nations to facilitate the repatriation of Rohingya refugees to their homes in Myanmar’s Rakhine state, with the hope that they can celebrate Eid there next year.
Dr Yunus made these remarks after attending an iftar with 100,000 Rohingya refugees at Camp 20 Extension in Ukhiya, alongside UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.
According to the participating Rohingyas, at least 70 refugees from each of the 33 camps in Cox’s Bazar were present at the event.
For better communication, the chief adviser delivered his speech in Chattogram’s regional language, which closely resembles the Rohingya dialect.
“We were given sealed tokens. Led by a Majhi (community leader) from each block, groups of 70 refugees lined up to attend the iftar,” said Mohammad Nabi, a Rohingya refugee who participated in the event.
Md Mizanur Rahman, Refugee Relief and Repatriation Commissioner, told the media, “Every year during Ramadan, the UN Secretary-General visits a Muslim-majority region to join an iftar. Fortunately, this year, it is taking place in Bangladesh.
His presence at the Rohingya camp for iftar demonstrates his solidarity with the displaced refugees.”
“It is a great honour for Bangladesh that such an influential global leader has stood beside the Rohingya, showing compassion for their suffering,” he added.
Rohingya refugees from various camps gathered at the designated iftar venue in the afternoon. With over 100,000 Rohingyas in attendance, Guterres and Yunus joined them in breaking their fast at this significant event.
“The grand iftar event is a remarkable and joyous occasion for us, as we have the opportunity to break our fast alongside the UN Secretary-General and Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser,” said one of the Rohingya refugees.
