Staff Reporter :
Visiting United Nations Secretary-General (UNSG) Antonio Guterres has reaffirmed his support for Bangladesh’s ongoing reform and transition process. During a series of high-level meetings in Dhaka on Friday, he acknowledged the country’s efforts in governance reforms, humanitarian initiatives, and international peacekeeping contributions.
The UN chief made the affirmation during a meeting with Foreign Affairs Adviser Touhid Hossain at Hotel InterContinental. The two officials discussed Bangladesh’s ongoing transition and reform measures, with Guterres expressing his solidarity with these efforts, according to a readout issued by the UN following the meeting.
Guterres lauded Bangladesh’s strong partnership with the United Nations and particularly appreciated its generosity in hosting a large number of Rohingya refugees.
He also extended his gratitude for the country’s long-standing commitment to UN peacekeeping missions, where Bangladesh remains one of the top troop-contributing nations.
Following this meeting, Dr. Khalilur Rahman, the High Representative of the Chief Adviser on Rohingya Issues and Priority Matters, also met with the UN Secretary-General at the same venue.
Their discussions focused on the ongoing Rohingya crisis, including the situation in Myanmar’s Rakhine State and the upcoming High-Level Conference on Rohingya and other minority communities in Myanmar.
Later, Antonio Guterres met with Chief Adviser Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus at the Chief Adviser’s Office. The two leaders discussed a range of critical issues, including Bangladesh’s developmental priorities and international cooperation.
Guterres arrived in Bangladesh on Thursday on a four-day visit at the invitation of Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus. A key highlight of his visit includes a scheduled trip to the Rohingya refugee camps in Cox’s Bazar later today. Accompanied by Chief Adviser Yunus, he is expected to meet with the refugees and join an iftar with one lakh Rohingyas in a gesture of solidarity.
During his visit to the camp, the UN Secretary-General called upon the international community to enhance humanitarian assistance for the displaced Rohingya population, underscoring the urgency of sustained global support to address the crisis.
