Reforms and the Rohingya crisis: UN has no direct role, say experts

UN Secretary-General António Guterres‍‍` recent visit to Bangladesh has reignited discussions about two of the country’s most pressing issues: the ongoing Rohingya crisis and domestic political reforms. 

While Guterres’ visit brought attention to Bangladesh’s efforts on both fronts, experts emphasize that the UN cannot provide direct solutions.

Instead, they argue that the responsibility lies squarely with Bangladesh itself.

During his trip, which marks his second visit to the country since 2018, Guterres visited the Rohingya refugee camps in Cox’s Bazar. 

While there, he reiterated the need for increased pressure on Myanmar to help resolve the crisis. 

However, according to international relations experts, the UN‍‍`s capacity to directly resolve the issue is limited.

No Direct Solution from the UN

Professor Dr. Imtiaz Ahmed, a leading international relations expert, pointed out that while Guterres‍‍` presence is significant, the UN lacks the power to single-handedly solve the Rohingya crisis. 

"The UN or the Secretary-General cannot solve this. There’s no reason not to understand this. He doesn’t have that authority," said Dr. Ahmed. 

He further highlighted that other global crises, like the war in Ukraine, have demonstrated the UN’s limited influence, noting, "Talks have started in Saudi Arabia to end the war in Ukraine, involving representatives from Russia, Ukraine, and the United States. In this situation, it is clear that the UN isn’t even near this issue. I don‍‍`t think the UN will be able to solve the Rohingya crisis either."

Dr. Ahmed also mentioned that the success of Guterres‍‍` visit would largely depend on whether new financial aid is secured. 

Recently, the United States reduced its funding for the Rohingya refugees, which has strained resources. 

"If new allocations are made, only then will Guterres’ visit be truly fruitful," he added.

Former Ambassador M Humayun Kabir shared similar sentiments, stressing that while the UN can offer support, the ultimate solution must come from Bangladesh. 

"If the Rohingya problem is to be solved, they can assist us, but the solution must come from us. Success depends on several factors. We need to see how proactive and creative we can be," he remarked.

Bangladesh’s Reforms: A Local Responsibility

Beyond the Rohingya issue, Guterres also met with several political parties in Bangladesh, offering the UN’s support for the country‍‍`s ongoing reforms. 

However, much like the Rohingya crisis, experts argue that the UN has little power to directly influence the reform process. 

Instead, they believe this is an issue that Bangladesh‍‍`s own citizens and political leaders must address.

Dr. Ahmed noted, "I don‍‍`t think the UN can do anything about Bangladesh’s political issues. This is a matter for the people of Bangladesh. The UN has sent representatives before, but no progress was made. We need to rely on the people of the country, not the UN."

Kabir echoed this sentiment, suggesting that while Guterres’ visit has opened doors for potential progress, the responsibility lies with the nation. 

"The Secretary-General’s visit has created many opportunities, but we must make the most of them. The reforms, the transition to democracy—this is our responsibility, not the Secretary-General‍‍`s. We will do it, and they will assist us," he said.

A Critical Visit but No Easy Answers

Guterres’ visit to Bangladesh, while important, highlights the limitations of international bodies like the UN when it comes to addressing deeply rooted local and regional issues. 

The attention and support the visit has garnered may be useful, but the onus remains on Bangladesh to lead the charge in resolving both the Rohingya crisis and its internal political challenges. 

As analysts have pointed out, external assistance can only go so far—true solutions must come from within.

With growing pressures on both the domestic and international fronts, how Bangladesh navigates these challenges in the coming months will determine the impact of Guterres‍‍` visit and the future of the country‍‍`s reform and refugee policies.