UN Chief Guterres Pledges Support for Bangladesh’s Reforms

UN Secretary-General on Friday expressed strong support for the reforms initiated by the transitional government led by chief adviser Muhammad Yunus, Anadolu Agency reported. Antonio Guterres arrived in Dhaka on Thursday for a four-day visit months after a popular uprising that forced former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to flee to India last August.

During a meeting with Yunus, Guterres pledged the UN’s commitment to assisting the reform process, stating, “We are here to support your efforts.” He emphasized the UN’s role in fostering a sustainable future for Bangladesh as it navigates significant changes.

Guterres also met with Bangladesh’s foreign adviser and discussed the situation in Myanmar’s Rakhine state, focusing on preparations for a high-level conference on Rohingya and other minorities.

Later, Guterres visited Cox’s Bazar, where over 1.2 million Rohingya refugees reside. He shared an iftar meal with the refugees and assured them of UN efforts to prevent cuts to their food rations. The World Food Program plans to halve rations due to funding shortfalls, raising concerns about the impact on the already vulnerable Rohingya population, 95% of whom rely on humanitarian aid.