UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Saturday said the Arakan Army is an entity with which he believes a “necessary dialogue must take place” but stressed that it would be “extremely difficult” to have an immediate “dignified return” of the Rohingya refugees amid heavy fighting between the Myanmar Army and Arakan Army. “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 said while responding to a question at a joint media briefing with Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain. UN chief acknowledges people’s hopes for democracy, justice, prosperity Guterres said it is essential to increase the pressure of the international community and all the neighbours of Myanmar in order to guarantee that fighting ends and democracy is finally reestablished there. The UN chief said it is absolutely 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, starting by seizing the violence and at the same time creating the mechanisms leading to a true democratic solution in Myanmar that would naturally facilitate the return of the Rohingya refugees. “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 authorization and cooperation…..” The government of Bangladesh and the Arakan Army (AA) should immediately facilitate humanitarian aid and cross-border trade to reach war-affected civilians in Myanmar’s Rakhine State, Fortify Rights said on March 12. “Rights-respecting countries should explore all possibilities to facilitate the delivery of life-saving aid to communities in need in Myanmar,” said Ejaz Min Khant, Human Rights Associate at Fortify Rights. “A humanitarian corridor between Bangladesh and Myanmar would enable vital aid and trade for all communities. Failure to act will cost lives.”     Asked whether the issue of establishing a humanitarian corridor was discussed during the UN chief's visit, Foreign Adviser Hossain said these are the things that actually have been going on in their interactions with the international community and particularly in the UN. UN chief voices “concern” over disinformation targeted against Bangladesh: Foreign Adviser 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.”     The Adviser said the government of Bangladesh wants to see the Rohingyas return to their homeland with dignity and safety and the solution lies with Myanmar. “It is time that we unify our efforts to put pressure on Myanmar authorities – I am not saying only authority because of the new realities on the border – we have to convince all of them – put appropriate pressure – so that they (Rohingyas) can go back to their rightful place,” Hossain said. Responding to a question on sanctions, Guterres said he believes that sanctions are one possible instrument and it is difficult to obtain UN Security Council’s approval for imposing sanctions and those sanctions not being possible.       The UN Secretary-General, during his visit to the Rohingya refugee camps on Friday, vowed to do everything in his power to prevent further hardship as drastic aid cuts threaten food supplies and other critical relief efforts. UN aid efforts are in jeopardy following funding reductions announced by major donors, including the United States and several European nations. Guterres described Cox’s Bazar as “ground zero” for the impact of these cuts, warning of a looming humanitarian disaster if immediate action is not taken. “We are at risk of cutting the food rations in this camp,” he said. “That would be an unmitigated disaster that we cannot accept because people will suffer and even people will die.” Guterres emphasised that his visit, which took place during the holy month of Ramadan, was a mission of solidarity with the Rohingya refugees and the Bangladeshi people who generously host them. “I am here to shine a global spotlight on the plight – but also the potential – of Rohingya refugees,” he said. “The more than one million Rohingya refugees here are proud. They are resilient. And they need the world’s support.” He praised the support offered by Bangladesh and local communities who have shared their land, forests, water and resources with the refugees, calling it nothing short of “enormous.” Reforms: Guterres holds talks with political leaders, Consensus Building Commission Bangladesh is hosting over one million Rohingya refugees who fled violence in neighbouring Myanmar. The largest exodus followed brutal attacks by Myanmar security forces in 2017, a series of events that the then UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Zeid Ra’ad al-Hussein described as “textbook example of ethnic cleansing.” The Secretary-General emphasised that the international community cannot turn its back on the Rohingya crisis. “We cannot accept that the international community forgets about the Rohingyas,” he said, adding that he will “speak loudly” to world leaders that more support is urgently needed.

Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain on Saturday said UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres “expressed concern” over the disinformation targeted against Bangladesh. “His visit would more than counterweigh the misinformation and disinformation campaign and the attempts to destabilise Bangladesh,” he told reporters at a joint media briefing with Guterres at a city hotel. Hossain said his (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 of Bangladesh. UN chief acknowledges people’s hopes for democracy, justice, prosperity 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. Guterres promised the UN’s total commitment to the Reform process under the leadership of Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus and said he will do whatever he can do to support the endeavours of the interim government, and stand by Bangladesh and its people. Guterres is now in Bangladesh as part of his “Ramadan Solidarity Visit” and is scheduled to leave Dhaka on Sunday morning. The visit comes with the 50th anniversary of Bangladesh’s membership in the United Nations. “This marks a historical moment for both Bangladesh and the United Nations, as the Secretary General himself is witnessing the formative stage of a new Bangladesh following the supreme sacrifices of the July-August mass uprising that aspired for a just, democratic and inclusive society,” Hossain said. UN chief Guterres opens new "UN House in Bangladesh" The ‘Ramadan Solidarity Visit’ is a tradition that Secretary-General Guterres himself initiated, and in his language - “to remind the true face of Islam”. During the trying times, the Secretary General always stood up and expressed solidarity with the true endeavours for discrimination-free, peaceful, democratic society, said the Foreign Adviser. The Foreign Adviser said this visit is significantly meaningful for the government and for the future Bangladesh. Guterres also expressed his full solidarity with the Rohingya people and vowed to work for their repatriation to Myanmar with dignity, security and rights. During this visit, the Secretary General and his high delegation that includes, among others, Undersecretary General Rabab Fatema, met the Chief Adviser, visited Cox’s Bazar Rohingya camps, met the Rohingya children and youth, witnessed how they get equipped with portable skills and learning opportunities for a dignified return to their homeland. Reforms: Guterres holds talks with political leaders, Consensus Building Commission They had an extraordinarily historical solidarity iftar with more than one hundred thousand Rohingya people along with the Chief Adviser. To understand the peoples’ aspirations of the future Bangladesh, Hossain said, Guterres graced three meetings with youth, civil societies as well as with the members of the Reform Commissions whose contributions are paving the way for the July Charter- the blueprint for country’s democratic transition, and draw the political, judicial, electoral, administrative, anti-corruption and police reforms. During this visit, Guterres learnt how desperately the Rohingyas want to return to their motherland, uphold their identity, enjoy their rights in the land they own and live a life they consider dignified. They were loud and clear that they see a dignified life in their forefather’s land- Rakhine, not in the neighbouring country’s shelter- the Cox’s Bazar camp, Hossain said. They said ‘even an insect has its own home but we don’t have’. Thus, they defined voluntariness and dignity for themselves. The Secretary General with his gracious presence at the Rohingya camp expressed solidarity to the cravings of the Rohingyas. He spoke aloud to draw the urgent attention of the international community to extend all-out support to stand by the Rohingyas to keep the spotlight on them – the most discriminated people of the world. He also assured to provide his support to the successful holding of the UN conference on Rohingya in September 2025. The Secretary General also learnt what legacy the interim Government was left with when they took charge.  

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Saturday recognised people’s hopes for a future of greater democracy, justice and prosperity in Bangladesh as the country undergoes a 'significant transition' under the leadeship of Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus. "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 told reporters at a joint briefing at a city hotel together with Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain. Reforms: Guterres holds talks with political leaders, Consensus Building Commission As the country undergoes important reforms and transitions, Guterres assured that the UN stands ready to assist in fostering peace, national dialogue, trust and healing. "You can count on the UN to be your steadfast partner, working alongside the people of Bangladesh to help build a sustainable and equitable future for all," said the UN chief. He underscored Bangladesh’s extraordinary generosity in responding to the Rohingya crisis. The Secretary-General said as they come together in this sacred month of Ramadan, it is more important than ever to focus on solidarity and shared humanity. In this spirit, he said, they will continue standing with the people of Bangladesh as ‘you navigate the challenges and opportunities ahead’. "I am deeply honoured to share this moment with you. May this Ramadan bring peace, blessings, and renewed hope to all," Guterres said. 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. By offering Rohingya refugees 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. In Cox’s Bazar on Friday, he mentioned that they are 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 per cent in 2025 of the resources available for humanitarian aid in 2024," Guterres said. This would have terrible consequences, starting with the drastic reduction of food rations, he said.   "That would be an unmitigated disaster. People will suffer and people will die. I strongly appeal to the international community to allow us to avoid this tragedy," Guterres said. The United Nations 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, he said. UN chief Guterres opens new "UN House in Bangladesh" Planning is also well underway by UN Member States for a High-Level Conference on the situation of Rohingya Muslims and other minorities in Myanmar. "We know the situation there continues to deteriorate. The escalation of violence and human rights violations across Myanmar, including in Rakhine State, are causing civilian casualties and driving displacement internally and across borders," Guterres said. He called on all parties in Myanmar to exercise maximum restraint, prioritize 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. Guterres joined a roundtable discussion on reform proposals participated by representatives of political parties, National Consensus Building Commission and other stakeholders. UN Under Secretary General Rabab Fatima, Bangladesh’s Law Adviser Dr Asif, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed and representatives of other political parties, Prof Ali Riaz, Dr Iftekharuzzaman, Badiul Alam Majumdar and UN Resident Coordinator in Bangladesh Gwyn Lewis were, among others, present at the dialogue held at Hotel InterContinental. Guterres later joined another dialogue with youths and a meeting with members of civil society at the same venue. Earlier in the morning, UN Secretary-General Guterres officially opened a new "UN House in Bangladesh" in the city. Industries, Housing and Public Works Adviser Adilur Rahman Khan; Environment, Forests and Climate Change Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan and UN Resident Coordinator in Bangladesh Gwyn Lewis were, among others, present. The UN chief visited the new UN Common Premises to view the 50th anniversary photo exhibition and joined the official UN flag-raising. The visit followed a meeting with UN Country Team Bangladesh. Secretary-General Guterres met Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Friday. The Secretary-General expressed appreciation for the close cooperation between the United Nations and Bangladesh, including its contributions to peacekeeping. UN views Bangladesh's reform issues as internal matter, says BNP The Secretary-General and the Chief Adviser discussed the situation of the Rohingya and Bangladesh’s domestic issues. The Secretary-General expressed his solidarity with Bangladesh’s reform and transition process, according to a readout shared by the UN.

A new investigation by Fortify Rights will reveal shocking new details about violence against Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh that rise to the level of international crimes, said the international rights body on Saturday ahead of its release. The 78-page report is based on years of research and more than 100 interviews with Rohingya survivors, eyewitnesses, armed group members, UN officials, aid workers and others. The report, to be released on Tuesday (March 18, 11 am Dhaka), will include urgent recommendations to the government of Bangladesh, militants and international actors. Fortify Rights is an independent nonprofit organisation registered in the United States and Switzerland. Global inaction will deepen Rohingya crisis, INGOs warn during UN chief’s visit The findings will expose patterns of abuses that have gone largely unaddressed by authorities. “I May Be Killed Any Moment” will document ruthless violence and deadly impunity by militant groups against Rohingya refugees, who are also facing a food and aid crisis, compounding the situation. A Rohingya woman human rights defender (pre-recorded message), John Quinley, Director, Fortify Rights, Patrick Phongsathorn, Senior Advocacy Specialist, Fortify Rights will join the programme moderated by Tanbirul Miraj Ripon, freelance journalist, at Dhaka Reporters Unity. Fortify Rights is an award-winning team of human rights defenders working to ensure human rights for all. We investigate violations, engage people with power on solutions, and strengthen human rights defenders.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Saturday joined a roundtable discussion on reform proposals participated by representatives of political parties, National Consensus Building Commission and other stakeholders. UN Under Secretary General Rabab Fatima, Bangladesh’s Law Adviser Dr Asif, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed and representatives of other political parties, Prof Ali Riaz, Dr Iftekharuzzaman, Badiul Alam Majumdar and UN Resident Coordinator in Bangladesh Gwyn Lewis were, among others, present at the dialogue held at Hotel InterContinental. Guterres will join another dialogue with youths and a meeting with members of civil society between 2:15pm and 5:15pm at the same venue, an official told UNB quoting his programme schedule. Earlier in the morning, UN Secretary-General Guterres officially opened a new "UN House in Bangladesh" in the city. Industries, Housing and Public Works Adviser Adilur Rahman Khan; Environment, Forests and Climate Change Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan and UN Resident Coordinator in Bangladesh Gwyn Lewis were, among others, present. UN chief Guterres opens new "UN House in Bangladesh" The UN chief visited the new UN Common Premises to view the 50th anniversary photo exhibition and joined the official UN flag-raising. The visit followed a meeting with UN Country Team Bangladesh. Guterres and Foreign Adviser Md Touhid Hossain are scheduled to attend a joint press briefing at 5:20pm at Hotel InterContinental. UN chief to join roundtable on reform proposals Saturday  

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Saturday officially opened a new "UN House in Bangladesh" in the city.Industries, Housing and Public Works Adviser Adilur Rahman Khan; Environment, Forests and Climate Change Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan, and UN Resident Coordinator in Bangladesh Gwyn Lewis, among others, were present. UN chief to join roundtable on reform proposals Saturday

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres will join a roundtable discussion on reform proposals on Saturday. The discussion will be held between 12:45 pm and 2:15 pm at Hotel InterContinental. Guterres will join a dialogue with youths and a meeting with members of civil society between 2:15pm and 5:15pm at the same venue, according to his programme schedule. The UN chief will visit the new UN Common Premises to view the 50th anniversary photo exhibition and to do the official UN flag raising. UN chief promises to ensure funds for Rohingya humanitarian aid The visit will follow a meeting with UN Country Team Bangladesh. Guterres and Foreign Adviser Md Touhid Hossain are scheduled to attend a joint press briefing at 5:20pm at Hotel InterContinental. In Cox’s Bazar Rohingya camp on Friday, Guterres said they cannot accept that the international community forgets about the Rohingyas and his voice will speak loud to the international community saying we need urgently, more support because this population badly needs that support to be able to live in dignity here in Bangladesh. The UN Secretary General is scheduled to leave Dhaka on Sunday morning.

A Bangladeshi businessman was shot dead by armed robbers in South Africa on Thursday night (Bangladesh time). The incident occurred around 9pm in Vepener, a town in the Free State Province of South Africa. The deceased was identified as Kamrul Islam, 33, son of the late Abdul Mannan Miah of the Ozi Ullah Hafez Bari. He was a resident of Karmullahpur village in Yakubpur Union under Daganbhuiyan upazila of Feni district. Kamruzzaman, elder brother of Kamrul, confirmed the incident. Kamruzzaman said that his brother Kamrul moved to South Africa 12 years ago and initially did a job before starting his own business. He was planning to return to Bangladesh soon. Father, son killed in Pabna road crash He said that two Black robbers stormed Kamrul’s shop while he was closing for the night. The assailants looted cash and valuables from the store before forcing Kamrul outside, believing he had more money in his car. There, they shot him in the left side of his chest, killing him on the spot, according to eyewitnesses. He further said that they are in touch with their relatives in South Africa, and preparations are underway to bring his body back home. He also sought the government's cooperation. Daganbhuiyan Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) SM Azharul Islam said he is aware of the incident and that efforts are being made to contact the Ministry of Foreign Affairs regarding the matter.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has initiated actions against Mohammad Harun Al Rashid, the former Ambassador of Bangladesh to Morocco, for posting a controversial write-up on his Facebook profile, which criticized the interim government instead of returning to Dhaka as instructed. Harun Al Rashid was recalled by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on 11 December 2024 and was asked to report to the Ministry without any delay. However, he delayed his return to Bangladesh on different pretexts and finally relinquished his charge on 27 February 2025. He has reportedly moved from Rabat in Morocco to Ottawa in Canada. On 6 March 2025, he was expected to travel and return to Dhaka from Ottawa, which he did not. On Friday, in his Facebook profile he posted a write up “A Plea for Bangladesh-and for Myself Subject: Bangladesh’s Descent into Anarchy under Yunus-The World’s Silence is painful,” said a press release. In the post, he glorified the abusive fascist regime and tried to portray the situation in Bangladesh post 5 August 2024 under the interim government as descending into anarchy. In his write up, Harun tried to tarnish the image of the Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus and the various efforts and initiatives of the interim government, said the ministry. No impact on US-BD relations following Trump's claim: Foreign Affairs Adviser “It is totally unacceptable to write something in this tone and the content is deeply disturbing, completely distorting facts and realities prevailing in today’s Bangladesh under the leadership of Hon’ble Chief Adviser. It appears that Mr. Harun has some hidden agenda or ulterior motive,” it said. Instead of returning to the Ministry in Bangladesh, he moved to Canada and started writing on facebook from there. He mentioned his status as ‘a persecuted diplomat’, ’exiled novelist’ and ‘secular’ which are used understandably to draw sympathy in his favour in a foreign country. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has initiated actions including revoking of his and his family’s passports. The Ministry would initiate necessary departmental proceedings against Harun Al Rashid that his actions duly deserve. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs does not condone any such attempt by any of its officers and staff members and will take stern action against the offenders.

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Friday 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. “Let’s pray to Almighty Allah…..so that you can celebrate your Eid at your own homes after your return….this Eid we can’t,” he said after joining iftar with one lakh Rohingyas at Camp 20 Extension of Ukhiya in presence of UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. The Chief Adviser delivered his speech in Chattogram's regional language for better communication with the Rohingya. Dr Yunus said he will also try staying in touch with the UN chief to make that (repatriation of Rohingyas) happen quickly. The Chief Adviser said Guterres has many responsibilities and but his participation in iftar with the Rohingyas demonstrates the importance he attaches to the Rohingyas. The Rohingya community urged the Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus to facilitate their swift return to their homeland. UN chief promises to ensure funds for Rohingya humanitarian aid Addressing the Rohingyas, Dr Yunus said despite so many crises around the world, including wars in different regions, the UN Secretary-General has come just to listen to the Rohingyas. “For this, we all express our gratitude to him." He thanked all those involved in organising the event and sought prayers from everyone so that he could work with Guterres to resolve the issue swiftly. UN Secretary-General Guterres vowed to do everything in his power to prevent further hardship as drastic aid cuts threaten food supplies and other critical relief efforts. During his visit, he said he had heard two key messages from the refugees: their desire to return safely to Myanmar and their need for better conditions in the camps. Dr Yunus and the UN chief together returned to Dhaka on Friday night from Cox’s Bazar.