Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on Thursday urged making the upcoming UN-led international conference on the Rohingya crisis a resounding success, aiming to thrust the decades-long humanitarian tragedy back into global focus and rally support for Myanmar’s persecuted minority.
The call came during a meeting with UN refugee agency chief Filippo Grandi at the State Guest House Jamuna in Dhaka.
“Let’s make it a big success and resolve this issue—something concrete must emerge,” Yunus said. “We need a clear path forward to secure the Rohingya’s future.”
Grandi, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, echoed the sentiment, backing the conference slated for later this year. “It’s a chance to put the crisis back on the table,” he said, noting it could build confidence among Rakhine’s diverse groups.
The duo explored ways to drum up financial aid for over a million Rohingya refugees languishing in Bangladesh camps, especially amid uncertainty over US foreign policy shifts.
They also tackled the dire humanitarian situation in Rakhine State, where rebels clash with Myanmar forces. “A ceasefire is essential to deliver aid,” they agreed, seeing it as a stepping stone for the Rohingya’s sustainable return.
Grandi drew parallels with African crises, noting how military dictatorships’ lack of legitimacy stalls progress.
He praised Bangladesh’s interim government for boosting universal education for Rohingya children and permitting sturdier camp shelters. “We’re eager to collaborate,” he added, hopeful that UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres’ mid-March visit could inject fresh momentum.
Dr Khalilur Rahman, Yunus’ High Representative for the Rohingya issue, joined the talks, briefing Grandi on Bangladesh’s efforts to support the conference and foster conditions for repatriation.