Recent funding cuts by the World Food Programme have severely impacted food assistance to refugees. Starting April 1, the WFP is set to halve rations, reducing the per capita allowance from $12.50 to $6 due to funding shortfalls.

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres reaffirmed the UN’s unwavering support for Bangladesh as the country undergoes a significant political transition and grapples with the ongoing Rohingya refugee crisis. Speaking in Dhaka on Saturday, Guterres praised Bangladesh’s progress and underscored the need for international solidarity in fostering peace, democracy, and humanitarian relief.

Guterres’ visit underscored the UN’s strong commitment to supporting Bangladesh through its political transition and humanitarian challenges. He said that as the nation rebuilds from political turmoil, global support remains critical in ensuring democracy, stability, and dignity for all — particularly for the vulnerable Rohingya population.

“The international community must act swiftly to prevent a worsening humanitarian disaster. Bangladesh’s leadership and generosity in sheltering refugees should be matched by global solidarity,” Guterres concluded.

With Bangladesh at a crossroads, the coming months will be crucial in determining the country’s path toward democracy, justice, and long-term stability. The UN’s involvement signals hope, but much work remains to be done to achieve a just and inclusive future for all.

Crucial Moment for Bangladesh

Guterres’ visit comes at a defining moment for Bangladesh, which has been navigating political upheaval following the departure of long-serving Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina last August. Hasina’s resignation came after weeks of student-led protests that resulted in violent crackdowns by security forces, leaving more than 300 people dead and over 20,000 injured. The protests culminated in a popular uprising that forced Hasina to flee to India.

Addressing the media, Guterres acknowledged the country’s new leadership under Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus and reiterated the UN’s commitment to supporting the nation’s transition toward a just and democratic society.

“This is a pivotal moment for Bangladesh, and the international community must play its part in supporting your efforts towards a just, inclusive, and prosperous future,” Guterres stated. “As Bangladesh undergoes important reforms, I want to assure you that the UN stands ready to assist in fostering peace, national dialogue, trust, and healing.”

Since taking office, Yunus’ transitional government has established six reform commissions to address governance, electoral processes, and social justice, aligning with the demands of the student-led uprising. In a meeting with Yunus, Guterres expressed the UN’s full commitment to assisting in these reforms.

“We are here to support your reforms. We wish you all the best. Whatever we can do, let us know,” Guterres assured Yunus during their discussions.

Before meeting Yunus, the Secretary-General held talks with Bangladesh’s Foreign Adviser Md. Towhid Hossain and High Representative on Rohingya Issues Khalilur Rahman. Their discussions focused on the upcoming high-level conference on the Rohingya crisis and Bangladesh’s ongoing humanitarian efforts.

Looming Humanitarian Crisis

On Friday, Guterres visited the Rohingya refugee camps in Cox’s Bazar, where he met with displaced families and shared an Iftar meal with refugees and their host communities. With Bangladesh sheltering over 1.2 million Rohingya refugees who fled military violence in Myanmar, Guterres commended the country for its humanitarian efforts despite economic and social burdens.

“Ramadan reminds us of the universal values that connect humanity: compassion, empathy, and generosity. Bangladesh is a living symbol of these values through your commitment to peace, development, and humanitarian relief,” he said.

While lauding Bangladesh’s generosity, Guterres issued a stark warning about the worsening humanitarian situation in the camps. Recent funding cuts by the World Food Programme (WFP) have severely impacted food assistance to refugees. Starting April 1, the WFP is set to halve rations, reducing the per capita allowance from $12.50 to $6 due to funding shortfalls.

“The funding cuts could result in severe food shortages, an unmitigated disaster,” Guterres warned. “People would suffer, and people would die.”

Amnesty International has also sounded the alarm, calling on donor countries to step up financial support. According to UNHCR, 95 per cent of Rohingya households depend on humanitarian aid, and food ration reductions will push them deeper into hunger and insecurity.

Call for Hasina’s Trial at the ICC

Beyond immediate aid, Guterres stressed the need for a long-term solution: the safe, voluntary, and dignified repatriation of the Rohingya to Myanmar. However, continued violence and human rights abuses in Myanmar have made such efforts nearly impossible.

“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,” he said.

Guterres called on Myanmar’s leadership to create conditions that allow for the safe return of Rohingya refugees and urged the international community to hold Myanmar accountable for its treatment of minorities.

During his visit, Guterres also met with representatives from Bangladesh’s student movement, who urged the UN to push for the prosecution of former Prime Minister Hasina at the International Criminal Court (ICC). They cited UN findings that accused her administration of crimes against humanity, including mass killings and enforced disappearances during last year’s crackdown.

According to a UN fact-finding report, approximately 1,400 people, including children, were killed in the July-August violence. A local court in Bangladesh has already issued arrest warrants for Hasina, but students want international legal action to hold her accountable.

“We told UN chief Guterres how the UN could assist in ensuring a proper trial for Hasina and her Awami League Party, particularly how they could be prosecuted at the ICC,” said Umama Fatema, spokesperson of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement.

Guterres responded by noting that as a member of the ICC, Bangladesh could pursue the case with the support of other member states.

Rising Border Tensions

In addition to political reforms and the Rohingya crisis, student representatives highlighted the increasing violence along the India-Bangladesh border, where over 2,000 Bangladeshi civilians have reportedly been killed in recent years. They called on the UN to intervene in diplomatic efforts to prevent further casualties.

Guterres acknowledged the rising tensions and expressed concern over the growing disinformation campaigns targeting Bangladesh, drawing parallels to the propaganda used by Myanmar’s military during the 2017 Rohingya crackdown.