Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus has called on the international community to provide diversified and additional global funding for Rohingya refugees while emphasizing that a political solution in Myanmar’s Rakhine State is the only way forward.

Speaking at the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on Friday, Yunus stressed that the Rohingya must become an integral part of Rakhine society with equal rights. He urged global actors to pressure both Myanmar and non-state forces to ensure urgent political changes.

“Bangladesh is the second victim of this crisis after the persecuted Rohingya. Yet, this is not a bilateral issue—it is an international responsibility,” Yunus said.

Bangladesh is currently hosting over 1.3 million Rohingyas in Cox’s Bazar and Bhasan Char. With the crisis now in its eighth year, Yunus warned of looming disaster as international aid dwindles. According to the World Food Programme, monthly rations may drop to as low as US$6 per person, raising risks of hunger, malnutrition, and insecurity.

Yunus called upon existing donors to increase contributions and urged new donors to come forward. He said the upcoming September 30 high-level conference must generate concrete global support with time-bound steps toward permanent solutions, including safe and dignified repatriation.

Bangladesh is currently hosting over 1.3 million Rohingyas in Cox’s Bazar and Bhasan Char/File Image

“The reversal of Rohingya marginalisation cannot wait,” he cautioned. “Sustainable repatriation, restoration of rights, and reintegration with dignity must lead the process.”

The Chief Adviser also highlighted that ongoing conflict in Myanmar threatens regional stability and the prospects of Rohingya return. Bangladesh, he reaffirmed, will assist any international initiative aimed at stabilising Rakhine.

Yunus was accompanied by senior members of the Bangladesh delegation, including Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain, Law Adviser Dr Asif Nazrul, and BNP Secretary-General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir.

Keywords: Rohingya crisis, Prof Yunus, UNGA 80, Bangladesh, Rakhine, repatriation, humanitarian aid, global funding, World Food Programme, Myanmar conflict.

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