Yunus pledges joint efforts with UN for Rohingya repatriation by next year

Highlights:

• 1 lakh Rohingyas attend iftar with CA Yunus, UN chief Guterres
• 70 Rohingyas from each of the 33 refugee camps in Cox's Bazar join iftar

Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus has pledged to put in their collective efforts together with the United Nations so that the Rohingyas can celebrate their Eid next year by returning to their own homes in Myanmar's Rakhine state.

He made the remarks after joining an iftar with 100,000 Rohingyas at Camp 20 Extension of Ukhiya in the presence of UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres today, reports UNB.

The chief adviser delivered his speech in Chattogram's regional language for better communication with the Rohingya.

At least 70 refugees from each of the 33 camps in Cox's Bazar joined the iftar event, according to the participating Rohingyas.

Since the afternoon, Rohingya refugees from different parts of the camps gradually gathered at the designated Iftar venue. With over 100,000 Rohingyas in attendance, Guterres and Yunus joined the refugees in breaking their fast together.

Mohammad Nabi, a Rohingya refugee, said, "We were given sealed tokens. Under the leadership of a Majhi (community leader) from each block, groups of 70 refugees lined up to attend the Iftar."

"This is a significant and joyous moment for us, as we get to break our fast alongside the UN secretary general and the chief adviser of Bangladesh," he told The Business Standard.

Refugee Relief and Repatriation Commissioner Md Mizanur Rahman told TBS, "Every year during Ramadan, the UN secretary general visits a Muslim-majority region to join Iftar. Fortunately, this year, it is happening in Bangladesh. His presence in the Rohingya camp for Iftar highlights his solidarity with the distressed refugees."

He further stated, "It is a great honour for Bangladesh that such an influential global leader has stood beside the Rohingya, showing sympathy for their suffering."