UN Chief backs Dr. Yunus’ leadership, expresses strong support for reform efforts

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has expressed his strong backing for the reform initiatives currently underway in Bangladesh, led by Interim Government Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus. 

In a letter sent to Dr. Yunus, Guterres pledged continued support for the country‍‍`s efforts in reforming its policies and handling the ongoing Rohingya crisis.

The letter, which was made public on Dr. Yunus‍‍` verified Facebook page on Wednesday, came as a response to an earlier communication from Dr. Yunus to the UN Secretary-General. 

Guterres thanked him for the letter dated February 4, delivered by Dr. Yunus’ representative on Rohingya issues, Khalilur Rahman, during their meeting on February 7.

"I would like to express my gratitude for your letter," Guterres wrote. "The United Nations stands in strong solidarity with Bangladesh, and I fully support the ongoing reform process under your leadership." The Secretary-General highlighted the shared concern over the Rohingya crisis and its impact on Bangladesh and neighboring regions, emphasizing that the humanitarian situation in Myanmar‍‍`s Rakhine state remains a top priority for the UN.

Guterres assured Dr. Yunus that the UN will continue working to rally international support for resolving the Rohingya issue and closely cooperate with ASEAN and other regional partners to seek a political solution to the crisis in Myanmar. 

“We are committed to creating conditions for the safe and voluntary return of Rohingya refugees to Rakhine,” Guterres added.

Moreover, the UN Secretary-General emphasized the importance of supporting the Rakhine communities and improving their livelihood. 

“I have instructed my senior officials to direct the local UN teams in Bangladesh and Myanmar to provide maximum support to the Rakhine communities, with a focus on humanitarian assistance and livelihood opportunities,” he wrote.

In the letter, Guterres also expressed optimism about an upcoming high-level conference on the situation of Rohingya Muslims and other minorities in Myanmar. 

He believes this conference will once again draw global attention to the crisis and create new opportunities to resolve the longstanding issues.

Adding to this, the Bangladesh Permanent Mission to the UN confirmed that Guterres is set to visit Bangladesh from March 13 to 16. 

This visit comes in response to an official invitation from Dr. Yunus and will coincide with the holy month of Ramadan. 

“I am eagerly looking forward to continuing our discussion on the Rohingya crisis during my upcoming visit to Bangladesh,” Guterres stated in the letter.

This anticipated visit by the UN chief is expected to further enhance international collaboration on the Rohingya issue and reinforce Bangladesh’s efforts in dealing with one of the world‍‍`s largest refugee crises.