UN Secretary-General Guterres Addresses Disinformation, Pledges Support for Bangladesh’s Democratic Transition and Rohingya Repatriation
DHAKA, BANGLADESH – UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres concluded his “Ramadan Solidarity Visit” to Bangladesh, marking the 50th anniversary of the nation’s UN membership. During his visit, Guterres addressed concerns about disinformation campaigns targeting Bangladesh, pledged UN support for the country’s democratic transition, and reaffirmed his commitment to the Rohingya people’s repatriation to Myanmar.
Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain revealed that Guterres expressed concern over the disinformation campaign aimed at destabilizing Bangladesh. The Secretary-General’s visit, according to Hossain, serves as a powerful countermeasure to these efforts and underscores the UN’s commitment to supporting Bangladesh’s reform process. Guterres affirmed the UN’s dedication to a "free and fair election" and a "real transformation" of the country, acknowledging the intricacies of the reform process.
Guterres met with Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus and pledged the UN’s full support for the ongoing reforms, emphasizing his commitment to assisting the interim government and standing by the people of Bangladesh. This visit holds particular significance given its alignment with the 50th anniversary of Bangladesh’s UN membership, coinciding with a pivotal moment in the nation’s history as it undergoes a democratic transition. Hossain highlighted the visit’s importance in showcasing the "formative stage of a new Bangladesh" following the mass uprising that called for a just and inclusive society.
The Secretary-General’s visit, themed “Ramadan Solidarity Visit," showcases a tradition he initiated to emphasize the true nature of Islam, especially during challenging times. Guterres has consistently expressed solidarity with movements advocating for discrimination-free, peaceful, and democratic societies. This visit holds profound significance for the Bangladesh government and its future trajectory, emphasizing the global community’s support for the nation’s democratic aspirations.
A major focus of Guterres’ visit was the Rohingya crisis. He visited Rohingya refugee camps in Cox’s Bazar, interacted with Rohingya children and youth, and witnessed their efforts to acquire skills for a dignified return to their homeland. He participated in a symbolic iftar with over 100,000 Rohingya refugees, alongside the Chief Adviser, demonstrating solidarity with the displaced community. Guterres reiterated his commitment to working towards the safe, dignified, and voluntary repatriation of Rohingya refugees to Myanmar, ensuring their rights and security are protected.
During his interactions with the Rohingya community, Guterres heard their overwhelming desire to return to their homeland in Rakhine state, emphasizing their yearning for a dignified life in their ancestral land rather than remaining in refugee camps. Their poignant statement – "even an insect has its own home but we don’t have" – powerfully conveyed their desire for belonging and dignity. Deeply moved by their plight, Guterres called for greater international support for the Rohingya people, urging the global community to remain focused on addressing their needs and upholding their rights as one of the world’s most persecuted communities. He also pledged support for the upcoming UN conference on the Rohingya crisis scheduled for September 2025. Furthermore, the Secretary-General was briefed on the legacy of challenges inherited by the interim government upon assuming power, underscoring the complexities of the current political landscape.
Guterres also engaged with various segments of Bangladeshi society, including youth, civil society organizations, and members of Reform Commissions. These interactions aimed to gain a deeper understanding of the aspirations of the Bangladeshi people regarding the nation’s future. He learned firsthand about the contributions of these groups towards the July Charter—a blueprint for the country’s democratic transition encompassing political, judicial, electoral, administrative, anti-corruption, and police reforms. The UN chief’s visit provided a platform to acknowledge the critical reform efforts underway and to listen to the voices of those shaping the future of Bangladesh.
The Secretary-General’s visit to Bangladesh serves as a critical juncture in solidifying the UN’s partnership with the nation. His engagement with the government, civil society, and the Rohingya community demonstrates the UN’s commitment to supporting Bangladesh in navigating its democratic transition, advocating for the rights of the marginalized, and countering disinformation campaigns that threaten to destabilize the country. His promise to work for the dignified return of Rohingya refugees to Myanmar and his focus on the reform efforts within Bangladesh underscores the UN’s determination to stand by Bangladesh and its people during this significant period of transformation.