On Friday, the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres admitted that it was a very great honor to receive such deep appreciation for the continuing support of Bangladesh to the Rohingya people and the close cooperative relationship it has created with the United Nations.
Guterres held talks with Md Touhid Hossain, the Foreign Affairs Adviser of Bangladesh, and Khalilur Rahman, the high representative on Rohingya issues, on two major matters: Bangladesh's important role in making peace in the world and reforms India has been undertaking.
The UN chieftain acknowledged Bangladesh's generosity in providing shelter and supported over a million Rohingyas who fled fleeing violence from Myanmar's Rakhine State. "In Bangladesh," Guterres said, "we thank you for all your hard work for international peacekeeping operations, reaffirming that Bangladesh stands as a critical actor in the establishment of global stability." Expressing solidarity with the internal transition and reform process of Bangladesh, which itself aims at building political strength and improving the socio-economic fabric of the country.
Furthermore, the discussion broached the inhumanity of conditions as affecting the people in Myanmar's Rakhine State, where the Rohingya are currently located, and touched upon the continuing plight of the displaced in the world. Information about these discussions will feed into the future high-level conference that will disburse the final findings that will maintain long-lasting engagements by the Rohingya and other minority ethnic groups in Myanmar. This conference will also focus on the humanitarian situation and will consider all aspects of a safe return for the refugees.
Md Touhid Hossain reiterated Bangladesh's resolve in pursuing diplomatic channels to reach a resolution in Myanmar while calling on international support in ensuring safety and dignity of the refugees. Last, but definitely not the least, Guterres complemented his statement on encouraging Bangladesh, saying that the UN is there to be with the country in any transition and engagement with peacekeeping missions and humanitarian action.
This meeting actually underscores the ongoing collaboration between Bangladesh and the UN, emphasizing the importance of the country to both regional and global efforts in peace.
[ Source Credit: Dhaka Tribune ]
