[🇧🇩] Dr. Yunus's Trip to UNGA and More

[Saif]

Unite for reforms, this chance won’t come again

We don't want flimsy reforms. We don't want eye-wash reforms. We want fundamental reforms. We will bring about these reforms in such a manner that they cannot be changed

en.prothomalo.com

Interview: Dr Muhammad Yunus (Part 2)
Unite for reforms, this chance won’t come again

Dr. Muhammad Yunus during an interview with Prothom Alo editor Matiur Rahman

After the student-people uprising, Nobel laureate Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus took over responsibility as chief advisor of Bangladesh’s interim government. At the request of the students, he took up this responsibility at a time of unprecedented political change. In an interview with Prothom Alo’s editor Matiur Rahman and diplomatic correspondent Raheed Ejaz, this eminent economist spoke at length on people’s dreams for a new Bangladesh, materialising these dreams through reforms in certain important sectors, a transition to democracy, and the prevailing state of affairs.

Prothom Alo : Everyone wants justice regarding all the killings that took place during the student-people’s movement. There is also all sorts of talk about trials in this connection. You yourself have also several times said that Sheikh Hasina will be placed on trial. She is presently in India. There is talk of asking for extradition. Do you have plans in this regard?

Dr Muhammad Yunus: We don't need to be a part of this. We are reforming the judicial system. Once the judicial system is reformed, then the issues will come forward, about who will be placed on trial, how justice will be carried out, who will carry out justice, and so on. We are not taking political decisions now. We are just creating the scope. Then you will proceed as you deem befitting. We are just facilitating.

Prothom Alo: But there was a government, a head of government, a cabinet, leaders behind all this injustice and wrongdoings. There are discussions and demands about them…
Dr Muhammad Yunus: That is why they are being caught and arrested, taken to jail. Everything is being done. But we are not placing them on trial. First decide the process on how justice will be brought about and then follow that judicial process.

Prothom Alo : There has been considerable criticism about these arrests and cases. How far are the charges true, or how far can these charges be proven? How far can these cases take the trials ahead? These questions are popping up. Many say that this is just the same as in the past. Like the false cases. And the liability is falling upon you all. You are not being able to shrug off this liability.

Dr Muhammad Yunus: That is why judicial reforms are required. It is not as if it can be done just if I say so. That won’t be justice. There are laws for this, but the laws are not good. The laws need to be changed. If we simply made a declaration unilaterally, then we will be going towards autocracy again. We want to advance through a process. It is not as there are no errors in the judicial process. Mistakes are being made. When these mistakes are pointed out, we try to rectify them. You say we change decisions. If our mistakes are pointed out, we then change our decisions accordingly.

If we simply made a declaration unilaterally, then we will be going towards autocracy again

Prothom Alo : In the meantime we see conflict and hatred being spread in the society. There is the matter of mob justice. Many people have even died in such incidents. There is a sort of unrest prevailing. How will you control this?

Dr Muhammad Yunus: This is all about establishing law and order. These are matters of the law and order situation. These are not political matters. The killings and the mob justice are all matters of law and order. If law and order can be strengthened, this will not happen. If we step up social activities, if people take care of each other, then such things won’t happen. The government can’t go and stop the fights. We can say that you will be punished if you fight.
I am repeatedly saying, we are a family. We may have different views, but that doesn’t mean we are enemies. This must be made clear.

Prothom Alo : There is a demand looming large to ban Awami League, not to allow them to carry out political activities, not to allow them to join the election. What will you say about that?

Dr Muhammad Yunus: This too is not for us to decide upon. When the political parties sit and hold meetings, they will take a decision. We will take all political decisions from the political parties. We will act in accordance with their decisions.

Prothom Alo: But you will have a certain stand. Will that come through the commission?
Dr Muhammad Yunus: If the commission deems it will be beneficial for the country, this will be discussed when the matter of elections arise. In other words, that will be placed with the political parties too. They will draw up a draft. It is not that the commission will do it and that is final. The recommendations of the commission will go to the political parties. The political parties will debate among themselves, will discuss and deliberate and decide in which direction we will proceed.

Prothom Alo: Freedom of expression and media freedom are all much-discussed issues. These were impaired in various ways during the last government and before that too. We have faced repression in all sorts of ways. How can you reassure us that in the future press freedom, telling the truth, freedom of expression will continue unhindered?
Dr Muhammad Yunus: You have been able to enter the prime minister’s office after 15 years. The government did not allow you to do so in these 15 years. Approaching the government was like crossing the Himalayas. But that has been crossed now. There are no obstacles for you now. It is up to you when you want to come, when you want to go. We do not control this. I am not the one to dictate who will read Prothom Alo and who will not read Prothom Alo! I do not have the authority to dictate who will advertise in Prothom Alo and who will not advertise in Prothom Alo. Why will we have this authority! Write as you please. Criticise. Unless you write, how will we know what is happening or not happening? We aren’t any know-all that everything is just happening smoothly. If you all speak out, we can be cautious.

Prothom Alo : Then again, there still is the manner of certain laws. There are rules and regulations. There are the old laws which are detrimental to freedom of expression.

Dr Muhammad Yunus: That is why we are talking about a media commission. The media commission will point out to us the laws that need to be changed or need to be abrogated. We are not fighting for any laws here. We have no interests involved. We want to ensure that future generations cannot accuse us of creating any obstacles.

Write as you please. Criticise. Unless you write, how will we know what is happening or not happening?

Prothom Alo : A question has been raised as to how long you all will remain at the helm. When will you hold the election? There was mention of one and a half years or two years. Have you had the chance to fix a specific timeline?

Dr Muhammad Yunus: We are discussing this matter among ourselves. Our work is clear cut. This work is preparing for the election. We must start this work. There will be a stream of preparations for the elections. Then there is the work for reforms. These will go hand in hand. These are not separate matters that we will complete one and start the other.

The election preparations will be about the election, when it will be held, what can be done, how far we will go and so on. Then there are reforms. Reforms are pivotal. This election is to establish reforms. So, when the preparations for the election are done, the reforms are organised but not executed, then the question will arise whether you will go for reforms or for the election. That is up to you all.

We will carry out the preparations. You will see how much time we are giving to these tasks. You will keep an eye on that. So it is not that we will set a deadline or that you will take whatever we can give within this time frame. It is about two preparations. If you say, hold the election, we are ready to hold the election. But it would be wrong to hold the election first.

We will proceed with the election and the reforms at the same speed. We will reach a point when the election preparations are complete. Then the election can be held on any date announced. We will ask whether we will announce the election date or proceed a little further. That is how the time will be fixed.

Prothom Alo : So does that mean the time frame for the election depends on the matter of reforms?

Dr Muhammad Yunus: To a greater extent. The entire matter depends on what you all want. What will I gain by announcing a date! Some may say that they have a design, that they want to stay in power for a long time! Just take a look at the advisors’ faces. They all look confined, as if saying - let us go. Some say I won't be able to survive with my children. How can I pay for my son’s overseas studies with the salary you pay? This is our predicament -- let’s finish up fast.
None of us are aiming at staying for a prolonged time. We want the tasks to be carried out accurately. That is our objective. What I am repeatedly saying is, this opportunity will not come in the life of this nation again. This opportunity is here now. Put this opportunity to the utmost use. Use us to get the work done so we can all say in unison that the opportunity arose and we grasped that opportunity. Let no one say, the opportunity arose, but we did not grasp it. Let no one be able to say, you failed.

India may be disheartened at certain incidents in Bangladesh. They were not pleased with the changes.

Prothom Alo: Our foreign policy is 'friendship towards all'. That is the policy we follow. Due to our country's geographical and geopolitical standing, we have to take up various stands with various countries. India is our closest neighbour. In very recent times, certain tensions have developed between the two countries. This is evident in their words, behaviour and approach. What steps do you think should be taken to change this situation, to normalise relations between the two countries and ensure that the relations are balanced?
Dr Muhammad Yunus: Relations between the two countries must be very close. There can be no alternative to this. They need this, we need this. This is essential from any angle, whether it's about economics, security or water. It will be difficult for us to move along without each other. It is only natural that we have close ties and good relations in every sphere. There should not be any feeling that anyone is pressuring the other. This is a relationship between two sovereign countries. We will always endeavour to ensure this.

India may be disheartened at certain incidents in Bangladesh. They were not pleased with the changes. Things will be clear to them when they see that the entire world is accepting us, how can they not accept us. Since they must forge good relations, it is not as if we are forcing them. This is necessary in their own interests. Just as we need them in our interests, they need us in their interests. So we have to forget certain transient matters. There is no use in mulling over who said what about each other, who made cutting remarks and so on. These are just words. The main thing is to maintain good relations. We have to use everything in our power to advance towards that.

I have spoken about SAARC, even this time. There was interest in this. The heads of government of SAARC countries held meetings with me. I held meetings with everyone except with India. Sri Lanka couldn't come because they only just got their president. I would have had a meeting with him too. So even if just for formalities sake, the SAARC countries took a picture together, indicating that we are together.

Prothom Alo : That means in foreign policy, you are placing importance on balanced relations between Bangladesh and India?

Dr Muhammad Yunus: It is about strengthening ties and at the same time, strengthening SAARC.

Prothom Alo : You have brought the issue of SAARC considerably forward. SAARC hasn't been functional for a decade now.

Dr Muhammad Yunus: I have been pursuing this since the creation of SAARC. I feel that this is our future. The European Union can move ahead so closely despite such historical divides, we do not have such a history of conflict. Why can't we be able to move ahead? If we were united, our prospects and opportunities would increase so much. We will have to come to SAARC. We are extending this appeal to everyone. Whoever I have met, all said that they want SAARC.

Prothom Alo : But isn't the main hindrance to SAARC India and Pakistan relations?

Dr Muhammad Yunus: That can be resolved. Just because there is a problem, that doesn't mean it has to be kept up. There is a solution to this. It can't be that we will keep SAARC but keep the problem brewing too. It is not that there has to be a final resolution to the problem. But we can more or less reach a solution so that SAARC can function. India can keep certain things suspended with Pakistan, but even then move forward. This will be a major policy that I will pursue.
Then there is ASEAN. We should get ASEAN membership. There will be ASEAN on one side, SAARC on the other, with Bangladesh in the middle. We can be with the two blocs at the same time. Then we will have a wider position.

Prothom Alo : Does joining ASEAN involve economic, business and diplomatic aspects or anything else?

Dr Muhammad Yunus: Basically its economic. It is a huge market which we can join. Indonesia doesn't even figure in the minds of the people in Bangladesh as a country. Such a big country is part of ASEAN, yet we neglect it. We needed to build good relations with Indonesia. We could have used this as an opportunity and benefitted from it. We have to expand our world to a wider sphere.

Prothom Alo: I had listened to a speech of yours long ago, 'Growing up with Two Giants, India and China'. After India, how do you view relations with China?

Dr Muhammad Yunus: Many years ago I had said that is was a large advantage for us. The fact that we are positioned between two large economies is a strength for us, not a weakness. We can learn from both the countries. We will have markets in both the countries. Both countries will come to us. We will have to go ahead maintaining relations with both these countries. This is an opportunity for us.

To be continued...............​

 

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Prothom Alo : Our economic relations with China have grown significantly. What do to aspire from them now?

Dr Muhammad Yunus: China's power and capabilities are a steady rise. The country is seeing steady scientific development. It has industrial development. So there is much scope for trade and business with them. There are many things they don't need which we can take. Those things can come to our country. Renewable energy is a factor. I requested China's foreign minister in this regard and he agreed. Their market has shrunk. Americans won't buy their products. The US has imposed sanctions. So I said, relocate these industries to our country. We will manufacture the products and sell them all over the world. The scope for solar energy is steadily increasing. It won't decrease. So we can take this opportunity. This time at the UN I told everyone that we want to be Number One in renewable energy. We discussed who will give how much renewable energy and in what manner. While speaking to the prime minister of Nepal, I said take as much of hydro energy as you want. We will give you as much electricity as you need. Money is not a factor. All that is needed is a transmission line over India. We will discuss the matter with India.

Prothom Alo : You are talking about taking relations with India and China ahead. But conflicts do arise.

Dr Muhammad Yunus: I do not think there will be any conflict between China and India over the matter of taking hydroelectricity or about solar energy. This doesn't go against anyone's interests.

Prothom Alo : Bangladesh is strategically located. There is the matter of geopolitics. They consider each other rivals. They want to exert their influence in this area.

Dr Muhammad Yunus: Such thinking must be cleared. They must think in a new manner. There is need for reforms here too. It won't do to think in the old manner. Aren't we bringing electricity from India! So what's the problem with bringing electricity from Nepal!
I keep on insisting on the need to build a "three zero world". A "three zero world" is the answer. There is no other solution. It is about zero net carbon emissions, zero wealth concentration and zero unemployment. We have to put these ahead of all our thoughts. It won't do to just go chasing after development. We have to make this socially acceptable. This is not a development highway, this is a highway of social adaptation. This won't happen until there is social adaptation and climate adaptation. Net carbon emission is number one. Then zero wealth consumption. The proper use of resources.

We are a family. We may have different views, but that doesn't mean we are enemies.

Prothom Alo: Joe Biden sidestepped the norms and held a meeting with you. Then you had talks with Clinton. You had a lot of interaction with them. What message did you receive from the US?
Dr Muhammad Yunus: The message is that they are happy. I went there as the chief advisor of Bangladesh's interim government. They are pleased that a new Bangladesh has emerged. It will be a corruption-free country. It will be a developed country in the social sense. We said that there will be change, there will be reforms. They have accepted these messages. They said, we will help you in all ways that we can. So this was an assurance. They are very eager. It is not just all words and no action. We emphasised two things at the UN. It was not just the US, but the UN, the European Union, Canada and everyone with whom we spoke. We must break away from the way dealings were done with Bangladesh. We want to go big, think big. Our transactions will be from that platform. First of all, thinking has to be changed. Things can't be done in the old way of thinking. Secondly, we have to act fast. If we as the interim government cannot show our activities, people will lose their enthusiasm. If you take your time in providing your support, and the interim government goes away, then another government comes and a few more years pass and you only start handing out your support then, it may not be of any use anymore. It will all be in the past. So provide the funds while the people are still enthusiastic so that we can work. Our economy is not in a good state now. We will need their help to strengthen this. The economy that exists is plundered and looted. We need assistance to revive this plundered economy. We repeated these matters again and again.

Prothom Alo : After the meetings, you got fresh assurances of support from the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund and others.

Dr Muhammad Yunus: From everyone -- the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund, Asian Development Bank, everyone.

Prothom Alo : All this must have given you hope afresh?

Dr Muhammad Yunus: Certainly. The enthusiasm I saw at the UN was not just among the big states, but the small states too, the SAARC states. Everyone said, we are with you. Just tell us what we have to do. I spoke to the prime minister of Italy and the prime minister of Canada and others. Everyone is enthusiastic. The Italian prime minister said, a lot of Bangladeshi nationals come over. We have no objection. We can look into how they can come over in a legal manner. The Italian ambassador called upon me today. He also discussed on how to bring this matter under a legal framework.

Prothom Alo: You have always spoken about national unity, national understanding. It will be very difficult if we can't reach a consensus on the fundamental principles of the state. We see divisions all around us. We see groupings. How can you emerge from this state of affairs? What should our joint efforts be?
Dr Muhammad Yunus: If we look just as the past 15 years, all that we learnt was grouping, divisions and distancing. It was all about who will attack the other, who will assault the other, grab others assets, push one far away. We have to break away from such a culture.

You speak about protecting the rights of the media. I will also speak about protecting the rights of the people in the same manner. People should be able to speak. Who will snatch their rights to speak? There may be divergent views. As I said, we are one family. We may have differences of opinion, we are not each other's enemies. We must keep that in mind: we are not enemies.

We make enemies at the drop of a hat. The previous government taught us well how to make enemies, the process of making enemies. They made you an enemy. They made so many here enemies. They made me an enemy. Such strong enemies, enemies of the country. We have to break away from that culture. Why are we crying ourselves hoarse for reforms today? Because we have to emerge out of that culture.

Prothom Alo : You speak about national unity. Are there any realistic grounds for such an initiative?

Dr Muhammad Yunus: You tell me, you write in the newspapers. Start doing that, speak out. If that works, let's advance towards reaching a consensus among all. It is not so much about having the same views, but of being united. People can have differing views and different opinions. A father does not share the same views as his son or daughter, how will an entire country share the same views? There will be varied views, but we will remain united.

If we can pass this test, then all the rest will easily fall into place.

Prothom Alo : These discussions can be raised through the commissions you have formed.

Dr Muhammad Yunus: That can happen. Encourage them to do so.

Prothom Alo : We can bring about reforms, elections, but there has to be an understanding. You have a vital role to play in this area as the chief advisor. Such a unity and understanding has become imperative.

Dr Muhammad Yunus: There has to be an issue for unity. The unity of the interim government is reforms. If we agree on the issue of reforms, then that is a huge matter of unity. We may all have diverging views, but all are one when it comes to reforms.

Prothom Alo : Do reforms mean change?

Dr Muhammad Yunus: Change. We do not want to return to the past. There could be no bigger unity than that. If we can pass this test, then all the rest will easily fall into place. We don't want flimsy reforms. We don't want eye-wash reforms. We want fundamental reforms. We will bring about these reforms in such a manner that they cannot be changed by anyone.

We must not hold the election without carrying out reforms. That is my appeal to everyone. Do not lose this opportunity

Prothom Alo: We saw this unity in July-August...
Dr Muhammad Yunus: What a wonderful unity was suddenly forged! Everything came to a standstill like a rock. Suddenly everything was smashed. They said, we are all one.

Prothom Alo : That means, unity is possible.

Dr Muhammad Yunus: It is not impossible! It was just two months ago. There was a unity. The entire country was one. There were no divides. Whether religious parties, the left, the right, the centre, everyone was one. They all agreed on one point: We will not go back to the old ways, the past is over.

Prothom Alo : Children, teens, youth...

Dr Muhammad Yunus: Everyone, no one was left out. We must not forget that power. We tend to forget things amid other matters. We have already started forgetting in just a matter of two months. This must not happen. We will hold on to the unity of this period so that it is permanent, so that we can form a structure through the reforms.

Prothom Alo : What message will you give the people?

Dr Muhammad Yunus: I have only one message -- reforms, reforms, reforms. Unite for reforms. This chance won't come again. Each and every moment is precious. Don't get embroiled in conflict over this. Discuss and debate over which areas need reforms. But reforms must take place. Make sure after two days you don't say, forget about reforms, we want the election now. We must not hold the election without carrying out reforms. That is my appeal to everyone. Do not lose this opportunity.

Prothom Alo : Thank you.

Dr Muhammad Yunus: Thank you too.​

 

[Bilal9]

https://www.npr.org/2024/09/30/nx-s1-5117378/nobel-laureate-muhammad-yunus-tasked-with-helping-to-chart-his-countrys-future?&jwsource=cl

https://www.npr.org/transcripts/nx-s1-5117378

 

[Saif]

TCB trucks selling edible oil at Tk100 per liter set to hit the streets from Monday

The Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB) will sell five products, including bottled soybean oil, at affordable prices from Monday (Feb 10). Any consumer can purchase these products from mobile trucks by standing in line. The TCB said this in an official notification on Sunday. TCB informed tha

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Yunus to travel to Dubai to attend World Governments Summit
Published :
Feb 09, 2025 22:10
Updated :
Feb 09, 2025 22:10

Interim government head Muhammad Yunus is set to travel to Dubai to attend the World Governments Summit, or WGS, on Tuesday.

Disclosing the information at a media briefing on Sunday, foreign ministry spokesman Rafiqul Alam said the chief advisor is also scheduled to hold bilateral meetings with heads of state and government of different countries on the sidelines of the summit.

He also spoke about the possibility of Yunus's courtesy meeting with the political and business leaders participating in the conference, reports bdnews24.com.

Alam said the World Governments Summit 2025 will be held in Dubai from Feb 11 to 13. United Arab Emirates Vice-President and Prime Minister and ruler of Dubai Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum sent a letter to the chief advisor inviting him to attend the event on Jan 13.

“The WGS is a global platform formed in 2013 under the leadership of Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum for sharing experiences of the governments. Over the past decade, the platform has brought together international organisations, think-tanks, global decision-makers, and private leaders from 140 countries to chart a brighter future.”

Alam highlighted that the conference will continue its efforts to build bridges between the government and the people through effective partnerships between the governments and enhancing global exchanges and cooperation.

He said the participation of the chief advisor in the conference is an opportunity to highlight Bangladesh's position on various global issues and its thinking to address global challenges.

Chief Justice Syed Refaat Ahmed, Environment Advisor Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Special envoy Lutfey Siddiqi, and Executive Chairman of Bangladesh Investment Development Authority, or BIDA, Ashik Chowdhury were invited to address the different sessions of the conference, Alam added.​

 

[Saif]

Guterres to arrive in Bangladesh mid-March

UN Secretary-General António Guterres will visit Bangladesh in mid-March, said UN Special Envoy on Myanmar Julie Bishop yesterday.

www.thedailystar.net

Guterres to arrive in Bangladesh mid-March
UN special envoy on Myanmar tells chief adviser

The UN Special Envoy on Myanmar Julie Bishop met with Bangladesh Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus at the State Guest House Jamuna in Dhaka today. Photo: Facebook/Chief Adviser GOB

UN Secretary-General António Guterres will visit Bangladesh in mid-March, said UN Special Envoy on Myanmar Julie Bishop yesterday.

The UN chief will also visit the Rohingya camps in Cox's Bazar, Bishop said during her meeting with Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus at the State Guest House Jamuna.

During their discussion, they explored new ways to resolve the Rohingya crisis and mobilise additional donors to support over a million forcibly displaced Myanmar citizens living in camps in southeastern Bangladesh.

Professor Yunus said the United Nations would hold an international conference on the www.thedailystar.net/opinion/views/news/solve-the-rohingya-crisis-we-must-address-the-root-causes-3815601 later this year. He urged Bishop, a former acting prime minister of Australia, to play a key role in the event.

"Your role will be crucial," Yunus said, adding that Malaysia and Finland have agreed to serve as co-facilitators for the conference.

He also sought the UN special envoy's support in addressing the humanitarian crisis in war-torn Rakhine State and preventing a new influx of refugees from western Myanmar.

They also discussed mobilising more donors for Rohingya refugees amid uncertainty over shifts in US foreign policy.

Bishop emphasised the importance of making the upcoming UN international conference on the Rohingya crisis a major success, as it would be critical for achieving a sustainable resolution to the decade-long crisis.​

 

[Saif]

Dimensions that have emerged from UN SG's Visit

Several dimensions have surfaced from the UN Secretary-General António Guterres' visit which coincided with the 50th anniversary of Bangladesh's establishing relations with the United Nations. This visit by this eminent personality addressed issues of magnitude pertaining to generosity, hum

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Dimensions that have emerged from UN SG's Visit
Muhammad Zamir
Published :
Mar 23, 2025 23:11
Updated :
Mar 23, 2025 23:11

Several dimensions have surfaced from the UN Secretary-General António Guterres' visit which coincided with the 50th anniversary of Bangladesh's establishing relations with the United Nations.

This visit by this eminent personality addressed issues of magnitude pertaining to generosity, humanity and observance of human rights. In addition to references about assisting Bangladesh within the paradigm of internal governance, attention was also drawn to other dimensions related to the Rohingya population who have sought shelter as refugees in Bangladesh.

The latest effort by the Rohingyas was undertaken in 2017. However, this was not the first time that such an approach had been undertaken. It had also happened before in 1977 and later at different times. There was one common element - cruelty on these Muslim residents of Rakhine undertaken by the non-Muslims of Myanmar. This included destruction of their residences and harassment of their family members. Through such inhuman measures, Rohingyas were forced to leave their residences in the Rakhine State of Myanmar. The last time this happened was in 2017.

Bangladesh over the years since their latest entry in the bordering areas with Myanmar, have tried its best to arrange for their safe repatriation to Myanmar through the United Nations and the Organisation of the Islamic Conference (OIC). Despite our own financial difficulties, the Bangladesh government along with some external sources, have shown humanitarian responses to meet all their increasing needs-- in terms of food, education facility for their children, healthcare and security. However, the net result till now, in arranging the repatriation of these refugees with dignity to Myanmar, who now exceed more than one million, has been less than satisfactory.

The UN SG in his statement underlined that he was visiting Bangladesh on "a mission of solidarity". It was also reiterated that the more than 1 million Rohingya refugees need the world's support. It was also observed by him that after decades of discrimination and persecution, "we had a massive outflow eight years ago, following the massacres that took place in Rakhine state. Many others arrived more recently, escaping brutal violations of human rights, triggered generalized on anti-Muslim hate. The UN SG also underlined that "my message to all parties in Myanmar is clear: exercise maximum restraint, prioritise 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 and to create the conditions for Rohingyas to be able to go back home, as they all want". He also observed that the situation in Myanmar remains dire, including in Rakhine state.

The UN SG also noted that humanitarian assistance is important - "but we must recognise the enormous support of the Bangladeshi people sharing their land, forests, scarce water and meagre resources. I was in Cox's Bazar last in 2018 - and have seen many improvements in the camps. But the challenges are great at so many levels. In the cyclone and monsoon seasons, floods and landslides destroy homes and lives. In addition to essential food aid, people here are also hungry for skills and opportunities for independence. Some Rohingya families feel they have no option but to risk everything on perilous sea journeys. So, we have a special obligation to ensure that aid reaches Rohingya refugees, and show that the world has not forgotten them. And so, my voice will not end until the international community understands that they have the obligation to invest now to support the Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh and to make sure that the people who have already suffered so much will not have an additional problem of food rations."

In this context, he also reiterated that "the cut by the international community of the aid to Rohingya refugees is unacceptable. I repeat: Cox's Bazar is ground zero for the impact of budget cuts on people in desperate need and we must do everything to make sure that that does not happen. The solution must be found in Myanmar. We will not give up until conditions allow for the voluntary, safe and sustainable return for all refugees here. Until then, I urge the international community not to reduce the support to Rohingya refugees. They must step up and guarantee the well-being of the refugees".

The UN SG has also pointed out that "the current situation is that there is a conflict between the members of the Myanmar military and the Arakan Army. In such a situation, it will be extremely difficult to ensure the Rohingya's dignified return immediately. A collective global effort is required to solve the crisis. Not only Bangladesh, but all the neighbouring countries of Myanmar need to create pressure so that violence stops and an acceptable solution is found." Such an observation by him obviously refers not only to more efforts by the ASEAN but also by China.

The United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has also stressed the importance of ending the conflict in Myanmar's Arakan state and increasing humanitarian aid there to create the proper environment for the Rohingya to return to their homeland.

Interestingly, Guterres also underlined that this year, he had decided to come to Bangladesh to express his solidarity with Rohingya refugees and the Bangladeshi people who host them. He observed in this regard that "fasting and having an Iftar together with all of you are the proof of my deep respect for your religion and your culture."

The crisis pertaining to the Rohingya refugees has deepened with the World Food Programme (WFP) recently being forced to reduce monthly food aid from US Dollar 12.5 to US Dollar 6 starting from April. This is happening because the USAID has drastically reduced the funding globally under the Trump administration. The WFP has consequently warned that more than one million people in Myanmar will be cut off from WFP's life-saving food assistance starting in April due to critical funding shortfalls. The cuts, according to AFP reports will also impact almost 100,000 internally displaced people, including Rohingyas, in central Rakhine who will have no access to food without WFP assistance.

In this context attention has also been drawn to a report issued by the UNDP in November last year. The report titled "Rakhine: A Famine in the Making" said Rakhine is on the verge of an unprecedented disaster due to a combination of interlinked issues. Restrictions on goods entering Rakhine, both internationally and domestically, have led to a severe lack of income, hyperinflation, and significantly reduced domestic food production. Essential services and a social safety net are almost non-existent, leaving an already vulnerable population at risk of collapse in the coming months." It has also been reported that critical sectors such as trade, agriculture, and construction are at a standstill. Export-oriented, agro-based livelihoods are disappearing as markets become inaccessible due to blockades.

Such a scenario has obviously also had an osmotic effect over the decision by Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh to agree to return to the Rakhine District in Myanmar. Unfortunately, any movement forward towards resolution of this crisis is also problematic because it will be difficult to obtain a UN Security Council approval for sanctions in relation to Myanmar.

In the meantime, the international NGOs -- ACF, ActionAid, Cordaid, Concern Worldwide, DRC, Handicap International, International Rescue Committee, Islamic Relief, Oxfam, Plan International, Save the Children, and World Vision -- have made a statement. In a joint statement they have reiterated that "the world cannot afford to let one of the largest refugee crises of our time fade from global attention. It is time to secure a sustainable future where Rohingya refugees and host communities are not left in limbo, but empowered to reclaim their rights and dignity. The Rohingya crisis is not just a resource crisis, but a crisis of political will. The UN and international community must ensure sustained support and invest in long-term solutions. With the humanitarian response to the Rohingya crisis facing severe funding shortages and shifting global priorities, the need for renewed and sustained international commitment has never been more urgent."

The statement came during UN Secretary-General António Guterres' visit to Bangladesh, hoping to help bring back global attention on the issue. They also called for immediate and coordinated action to sustain life-saving assistance, innovative response strategies, and a dedicated mission that ensures stability and dignity for over one million Rohingya refugees and host communities in Cox's Bazar.

Around one million Rohingya refugees live in 33 congested camps near Cox's Bazar. Among them are hundreds of thousands of children-more than 50 per cent of the population-whose lives have been confined to these camps. These children have no memory of their homeland and are growing up without the basic rights every child deserves-- education, safety, freedom, and opportunities for a brighter future.

Having visited these camps on two occasions as a Member of OIC-HRC, I have watched children play in narrow alleys among endless rows of makeshift shelters. This made it painfully clear that they are at risk of becoming a lost generation. It should not have to be this way. These children have the potential to shape a better world.

The world must not close its eyes to the plight of the Rohingyas and their desire to return home. They want to return to their ancestral land. Unfortunately, the problem lies with the attitude and demographic strategies of the Myanmar government. Most regrettably, they are treating their own people as foreigners. That is the main obstruction to a permanent solution of the Rohingya crisis. However, if the world - specially the powerful States- can take a collective stand in favour of justice, the issue could be fixed speedily.

Efforts should also be made by the relevant authorities in Myanmar to arrange the repatriation of the Rohingya refugees to their homeland with dignity and support.

Muhammad Zamir, a former Ambassador, is an analyst specialised in foreign affairs, right to information and good governance.​

 

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UN reaffirms support for Bangladesh’s reform and transition process

UN Resident Coordinator Gwyn Lewis has reaffirmed the United Nations’ unwavering solidarity with Bangladesh’s reform and transition process, emphasising the UN’s commitment to supporting the country’s path towards sustainable development and prosperity..“The Resident Coordinator commended

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UN reaffirms support for Bangladesh’s reform and transition process

Photo: PID

UN Resident Coordinator Gwyn Lewis has reaffirmed the United Nations' unwavering solidarity with Bangladesh's reform and transition process, emphasising the UN's commitment to supporting the country's path towards sustainable development and prosperity.

"The Resident Coordinator commended the robust cooperation with the interim government, and both leaders engaged in comprehensive discussions on advancing development in Bangladesh," the chief adviser's press wing said in a statement today, after Gwyn Lewis called on the chief adviser at the State Guest House Jamuna.

During the meeting, they discussed the extensive support the UN could extend to bolster the government's ambitious reform initiatives.

Gwyn Lewis also highlighted the critical measures undertaken to ensure a seamless transition as Bangladesh prepares to graduate from the Least Developed Countries (LDC) category.

They also addressed the ongoing Rohingya crisis and the persistent financing challenges confronting efforts in the refugee camps.

Both sides expressed grave concern over the sharp decline in funding, which has already had a severe impact on education and other essential programmes within the camps.The Chief Adviser emphasised the urgent need for sustained solidarity and increased support to mitigate the effects of funding cuts and strengthen Bangladesh's efforts to assist the vulnerable Rohingya population.​