During his visit to Bangladesh, UN Secretary-General António Guterres emphasized the need to end the conflict in Myanmar’s Arakan state and increase humanitarian aid to create a conducive environment for the Rohingya’s return to their homeland.
In a joint media briefing with Foreign Advisor Touhid Hossain at the InterContinental Dhaka on Saturday, Guterres discussed the possibility of establishing a humanitarian aid channel from Bangladesh to the conflict-affected Arakan. He stated that the implementation of such a channel would require authorization and cooperation.
When asked about the famine-like situation in Rakhine and the potential impact on the Rohingya’s dignified return, Guterres replied, “The violence must stop first, and a democratic solution needs to be found through dialogue. If this happens, the path for the Rohingya refugees’ return will be smoother.” He added that increased humanitarian assistance within Myanmar is essential for creating the right environment for their return.
Guterres also spoke about the ongoing conflict between Myanmar’s military and the Arakan Army, stressing that it would be extremely difficult to ensure the Rohingya’s dignified return in such conditions. He called for a global collective effort to resolve the crisis, stating that not only Bangladesh but also all Myanmar’s neighboring countries must exert pressure to stop the violence and find an acceptable solution.
On the issue of sanctions, he mentioned that while a ban could be an option, securing UN Security Council approval for sanctions on Myanmar could prove challenging. He emphasized the need for the international community and Myanmar’s neighbors to unite and apply pressure to end the fighting and pave the way for democracy.
Foreign Advisor Touhid Hossain echoed Guterres’ stance, stating, “We want the Rohingya to return with dignity, their rights, and security guaranteed.” He reaffirmed Bangladesh’s position, emphasizing the need to collectively pressure Myanmar authorities, both governmental and border-based, to ensure the Rohingya can return to their homeland.
In a written statement, Guterres expressed his gratitude to the Bangladeshi people, including Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus, for their warm welcome. He said, “Every year, I undertake a solidarity visit to spend time with Muslim communities in difficult circumstances, to observe the fast with them, and to highlight their plight on the global stage. This year, I decided to come to Bangladesh to express solidarity with Rohingya refugees and the Bangladeshi people who host them.”
