UN ready to help Bangladesh foster peace, democratic transition: Guterres

Highlights:

• For Rohingya return, dialogue needed with Arakan Army, he says  
• He calls on global community to provide urgent support for Rohingya
• Foreign Adviser says UN chief 'concerned' over disinfo against Bangladesh
• Bangladesh didn't seek UN help in bringing Hasina back from India, he says

United Nations (UN) Secretary General António Guterres has said the UN stands ready to help Bangladesh foster peace, national dialogue, trust and healing in its journey to democratic transition. 

"As the country undergoes important reforms and transitions, I want to assure you that the UN stands ready to assist in fostering peace, national dialogue, trust and healing," he said at a joint briefing with Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain at a Dhaka hotel today (15 March), reports BSS.

"This is a pivotal moment for Bangladesh, and the international community must play its part in supporting your efforts toward a just, inclusive, and prosperous future," he added.

Speaking on the Rohingya issue, the UN chief said, "I think it is important to engage with the Arakan Army in order for full respect of the rights of the Rohingya population in Rakhine."

He added that it is essential to mobilise the whole of the international community, all the neighbours of Myanmar, not just Bangladesh, to make things move to find a solution, reports UNB.

"At the same time, we need to intensify the humanitarian aid inside Myanmar to create a condition for that return to be successful," Guterres said.

He also referred to the possibility of having a humanitarian aid channel from Bangladesh, if circumstances allow. "But that is obviously a matter that would require authorisation and cooperation….."

Asked whether the issue of establishing a humanitarian corridor was discussed during the UN chief's visit, Foreign Adviser Touhid said these are the things that actually have been going on in their interactions with the international community and particularly in the UN.

In particular, he said, this issue was not discussed with the UN Secretary General. "This is much more of an operational matter which we will of course deal with the local offices of the UN."

'World mustn't take Bangladesh's generosity for granted'

Guterres told the briefing that Bangladesh is a living symbol of peace, development, and humanitarian relief. 

Noting that Bangladesh is among the largest contributors to UN peacekeeping, the secretary general paid tribute to the sacrifices and dedication of Bangladeshi peacekeepers, who serve in some of the most difficult and dangerous environments in the world.

For years, he said, the people of this nation, especially the communities in Cox's Bazar, have hosted over a million refugees fleeing violence and persecution, reports UNB.

By offering Rohingyas sanctuary, Bangladesh has demonstrated solidarity and human dignity, often at significant social, environmental and economic cost, he said.

"The world must not take this generosity for granted. I will continue to urge the international community to take greater responsibility and provide the necessary financial and political support for both the refugees and their host communities," Guterres said.

Visiting the Rohingya camps in Cox's Bazar on Friday, he mentioned that the Rohingya population is on the verge of a deep humanitarian crisis. "With the announced cuts in financial assistance, we are facing the dramatic risk of having only 40% in 2025 of the resources available for humanitarian aid in 2024," Guterres said.

The UN is fully committed to working with Bangladesh and others in finding a lasting solution to the Rohingya crisis that enables their safe, voluntary, dignified, and sustainable return to Myanmar, Guterres said.

In response to a question about how instability in Rakhine might affect repatriation, the UN chief said, "Obviously, under these circumstances, it will be difficult to ensure the dignified return of the Rohingya refugees."

Guterres emphasised that mobilising both the local and international communities, including all of Bangladesh's and Myanmar's neighbours, is crucial to exerting pressure and moving forward with a solution.

When asked about imposing UN sanctions on Myanmar, he said that obtaining Security Council approval for sanctions is challenging. "However, even if sanctions are not possible, it is essential to increase pressure from all of Myanmar's neighbours to help establish a path toward democracy," he added.

UN chief voices 'concern' over disinformation against Bangladesh: Touhid

Foreign Affairs Adviser Touhid Hossain at the briefing said the UN chief had expressed concern over the disinformation targeted against Bangladesh.

"His visit would more than counterweight the misinformation and disinformation campaign and the attempts to destabilise Bangladesh," he said. 

Touhid said Guterres' assurance of support would help Bangladesh in its successful reform process and transition to democracy in line with the common aspiration of the people.

The UN chief appreciated the complexities of the reform process for a "free and fair election" and a "real transformation" of the country, said the foreign adviser.

Touhid also said Bangladesh did not discuss seeking assistance from Guterres to bring deposed prime minister Sheikh Hasina back from India.

Guterres arrived in Dhaka on Thursday as part of his "Ramadan Solidarity Visit" and is scheduled to leave Dhaka Sunday morning. The visit comes with the 50th anniversary of Bangladesh's membership in the UN.