U.N. Chief Visits Bangladesh Amid Concerns Over Rohingya Aid Cuts
The United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres, has embarked on a significant four-day visit to Bangladesh, landing in Dhaka on Thursday to evaluate the status of over a million Rohingya refugees facing potential aid cutbacks. Guterres was greeted upon arrival by Touhid Hossain, an adviser in Bangladesh’s foreign affairs department.
This visit is particularly critical following notifications from the World Food Program (WFP) and other organizations about possible reductions in assistance after the United States decided to cease operations of USAID. The newly formed interim government, which has taken leadership following the removal of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, anticipates that Guterres’ presence will not only propagate international support for the Rohingya but also rejuvenate global focus on their ongoing plight.
The WFP, a major player in U.N. food relief efforts, issued a caution earlier this month, alerting refugee officials that starting April 1, food ration cuts could impact Cox’s Bazar, home to numerous refugee camps. The WFP has warned that food allocations might be slashed to $6 from the current $12.50 per month per person.
In response to queries, a WFP spokesperson, Kun Li, emphasized their proactive approach in securing the needed funds to maintain present food support levels. The organization faces a funding gap needing $81 million to sustain the operation through the year-end, with $15 million urgently required by April. Failure to bridge this gap would necessitate a reduction in rations for the refugees.
During his stay, Guterres will join forces with Muhammad Yunus, Bangladesh’s chief adviser, in a direct assessment of conditions at the refugee camps situated in Cox’s Bazar. Furthermore, plans are in place for a strategic meeting between Guterres and Yunus on Saturday at Dhaka, followed by a joint press briefing to address ongoing concerns and strategies.
Despite the interruption of USAID programs, the interim Bangladesh government has clarified that aid for Rohingya refugees will persist. Historically, the United States has been a leading benefactor for Rohingya support in Bangladesh, contributing substantial funds for humanitarian relief. In 2024 alone, the U.S. accounted for a nearly $300 million aid package.
The Rohingya refugee situation has been a long-standing issue, with hundreds of thousands residing in Bangladesh for years, and a sizeable influx crossing from Myanmar in 2024 due to the conflict involving the Arakan Army. Though Bangladesh advocates for the repatriation of the refugees to Myanmar, international accusations of genocide against Myanmar have compounded the complexity and dimmed prospects for a speedy resolution.
Bangladesh asserts that returning the refugees to Myanmar is the only viable resolution, yet verification hurdles and intricate political concerns continue to shadow the prospects for settling the Rohingya situation.
