UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to Visit Bangladesh Amid Political Turmoil and Rohingya Crisis

Concerns Over Stability as Bangladesh Prepares for High-Level Visit

Dhaka, February 26, 2025 – United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is set to visit Bangladesh from March 13 to 16, marking a critical diplomatic engagement amid ongoing political unrest and deepening humanitarian challenges. The visit, confirmed by UN sources, comes at a time when Bangladesh faces heightened tensions over governance, security concerns, and the prolonged Rohingya refugee crisis.

Guterres’ itinerary includes meetings with top government officials, discussions on regional stability, and a visit to the Rohingya refugee camps in Cox’s Bazar. The visit is expected to focus on Bangladesh’s role in handling the humanitarian crisis and the international community’s response to the deteriorating situation in Myanmar’s Rakhine State.

Rohingya Crisis in Focus: UN to Mobilize Global Support

A key agenda of the visit will be addressing the Rohingya refugee crisis, which has placed enormous socio-economic and security burdens on Bangladesh. In a recent letter to Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, Guterres reaffirmed the UN’s commitment to mobilizing global support for the country as it hosts nearly one million Rohingya refugees—the world’s largest stateless population.

“I will continue to exercise my good offices, working closely with regional actors, ASEAN, and other stakeholders towards a political solution to the crisis in Myanmar,” Guterres wrote, stressing the need for a sustainable resolution that includes the safe and voluntary repatriation of refugees to Myanmar.

Political and Security Challenges Ahead of UN Chief’s Visit

The visit also coincides with rising political instability in Bangladesh. The country remains deeply divided, with mass protests, allegations of authoritarian rule, and concerns over democratic backsliding.

On Tuesday, Bangladesh Army Chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman issued a stark warning about the nation’s fragile state, cautioning that internal conflicts could jeopardize Bangladesh’s sovereignty.

“If you cannot forget your differences and work together, the independence and sovereignty of this country will be at stake,” he stated in a speech in Dhaka.

With Bangladesh heading towards a contentious election cycle, the political landscape remains uncertain. The UN visit could test the government’s diplomatic handling of international concerns over governance and human rights.

UN’s Role in Regional Diplomacy and Aid Expansion

Beyond the immediate humanitarian crisis, Guterres’ visit is expected to address the UN’s role in fostering economic and diplomatic stability in Bangladesh.

The UNHCR has been working on expanding humanitarian aid and livelihood support for Rohingya refugees while also advocating for better integration of refugee communities into Bangladesh’s socio-economic framework. However, the lack of a long-term solution has created growing frustrations within Bangladesh, which has repeatedly called for stronger international intervention in pressuring Myanmar for a sustainable repatriation process.

A high-level conference on the Rohingya crisis is expected to take place following the Secretary-General’s visit, aimed at renewing global attention on the issue and devising a broader solution.

Bangladesh’s Political Crossroads and the UN’s Influence

The UN’s engagement with Bangladesh comes at a critical juncture. While Dhaka has received international praise for sheltering Rohingya refugees, it has also faced criticism over press freedoms, human rights concerns, and the handling of political dissent.

With Guterres stepping in amid these mounting challenges, his visit will serve as a test of Bangladesh’s diplomatic positioning and its ability to navigate both internal unrest and regional humanitarian obligations.

As the world watches, the question remains—will Bangladesh take this opportunity to restore confidence in its governance and commitment to human rights, or will it remain embroiled in deepening instability?

***