United News of Bangladesh

On World Refugee Day, UN High Commissioner for Refugees Barham Salih called on countries around the world to reinforce their support for the nearly 42 million people who have been forced to leave their home countries due to conflict, violence, or persecution. Salih emphasised the positive impact refugees have on the communities that host them, noting their roles as workers, students, neighbours, artists, athletes, entrepreneurs, and leaders. “Given the opportunity, they rebuild their lives and help strengthen the societies around them,” he said ahead of World Refugee Day, observed annually on 20 June. Bangladesh at the heart of global refugee responseFor Bangladesh, World Refugee Day serves as a reminder of one of the world's largest and most prolonged refugee crises. Nearly a decade after fleeing violence and persecution in Myanmar, around 1.3 million stateless Rohingya refugees continue to live in camps in southeastern Bangladesh. Despite immense pressure on resources, Bangladesh has remained one of the world's leading refugee-hosting nations, providing shelter and humanitarian access to displaced Rohingyas. However, the situation is entering what the UN refugee agency describes as a "fragile phase." According to UNHCR, declining international funding, worsening camp conditions and limited livelihood opportunities are increasing the vulnerability of refugee families. Most Rohingyas remain heavily dependent on humanitarian assistance, with only a small proportion able to earn income through cash-for-work programmes. The agency warned that women, children, older persons, people with disabilities and approximately 150,000 newly arrived refugees who entered the camps since early 2024 are among the most vulnerable groups. Bangladesh has renewed its call for the early repatriation of the Rohingya refugees to Myanmar. State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam has called for stronger international action to protect civilians, uphold international humanitarian law and ensure sustained global support for the safe and dignified repatriation of Rohingyas to Myanmar. She made the call while speaking at a high-level panel discussion of the 2026 Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) Humanitarian Affairs Segment at the United Nations Headquarters in New York on Thursday, according to the Permanent Mission of Bangladesh to the UN. Speaking at a UN briefing by the Secretary-General’s Special Envoy on Myanmar on June 19, Bangladesh’s Permanent Representative, Ambassador Salahuddin Noman Chowdhury underscored that the Rohingya crisis originated in Myanmar and that its durable solution must also be found there. He noted that hosting approximately 1.2 million Rohingyas for nearly a decade has placed significant social, economic, environmental and security burdens on Bangladesh. Reaffirming Bangladesh’s commitment to a peaceful resolution of the crisis, the Permanent Representative urged the international community and key regional actors to intensify diplomatic efforts and engagement to facilitate the early repatriation of the Rohingyas to Myanmar. Rising challenges UN Secretary-General António Guterres also issued a message urging greater assistance for displaced people and the communities that have provided them refuge. “As divisions deepen across our world, new and protracted conflicts are compelling millions of women, children and men to seek safety far from home,” he said. He underscored the need for increased cooperation and decisive measures to protect refugees, saying that “these turbulent times” require renewed solidarity and meaningful action. The reality of displacement Salih reflected on the difficult decision many refugees face, drawing from his own experience of fleeing repression in Iraq as a young man. “Fleeing home to seek safety is one of the hardest choices anyone can make. I know that from personal experience,” said Salih, who as a young man fled repression in Iraq. He stressed that refugee status should not determine a person’s entire future. “While a person may, for a time, be defined as a refugee, becoming a refugee should not define a person’s life.” Salih also warned that many refugees remain dependent on shrinking humanitarian assistance for their basic needs. He noted that while emergency aid is essential, many refugees remain displaced for years or even decades. “Being a refugee is meant to be a temporary condition, not a lifelong fate,” he said. Reducing long-term displacement To address this challenge, Salih announced a major objective aimed at reducing prolonged displacement. “That is why I have set out an ambitious goal: to cut by half, within ten years, the number of refugees living in protracted displacement and reliant on humanitarian assistance.” The initiative will concentrate on low- and middle-income countries, which host most of the world’s refugee population. “Achieving this target…would vastly improve the lives of millions of people. It is how we can move from merely managing displacement to resolving it,” he said. Marking 75 years of refugee protection This year's World Refugee Day coincides with the 75th anniversary of the Refugee Convention. Adopted in 1951 after the Second World War, the treaty established the right of people fleeing war, conflict, or persecution to seek safety and protection. “We must continue to uphold that promise. Until everyone is safe, none of us are safe,” said Mr. Salih. “This is not merely a statement of solidarity but a call to action. Because the right to seek safety was made for times like these, and it is up to all of us to defend it.” Campaign to support refugees Salih leads the UN refugee agency, UNHCR, which is using this year’s World Refugee Day theme, Until Everyone is Safe, to encourage young people to support refugees and defend the right to asylum. The campaign seeks to challenge common misconceptions about refugees and highlights that the right to seek safety extends beyond escaping war and violence. It also aligns with UNHCR’s goal of cutting the number of refugees living in long-term displacement by half by 2035, a target outlined in the agency’s latest Global Trends Report. Known as the 50 by 35 vision, the plan aims to expand refugees’ access to employment, education, healthcare, and social protection systems, helping them become more self-reliant and less dependent on humanitarian aid. UN and its humanitarian partners called for renewed international support, as they presented the 2026 update of the Joint Response Plan (JRP) recently for the Rohingya humanitarian crisis. The hyper-prioritised plan appeals for USD 710.5 million, to reach up to 1.56 million people, including refugees and Bangladeshi host communities. The appeal - a 26% reduction from the 2025 JRP - covers only the minimum required to sustain lifesaving assistance. Mid-way through the year, generous support from the international community has led the appeal to be already 60% funded.

A colourful award ceremony was held at the Rohingya camps in Cox’s Bazar on Thursday to honour young participants in an essay and art competition titled “My Neighbor, My Friend,” marking World Refugee Day 2025. Refugee Relief and Repatriation Commissioner (RRRC) and the United Nations and humanitarian agencies organised the event jointly and honored both Rohingya refugees and local Bangladeshi youth with special recognition and prizes for their powerful written essays and art pieces. World Refugee Day, annually observed on June 20, is a global commemoration to foster empathy and raise awareness about the plight of refugees around the world and recognize the communities that host them.  Fittingly, this year’s World Refugee Day theme is “Solidarity with Refugees.” In alignment with this theme, the award ceremony took place today, Thursday (19 June 2025) at Camp-4 Darbar hall. Awards were presented to winners in the essay competition from both the Rohingya and local Bangladeshi communities: Fayazul Islam (Winner, English); Shoaib Bin Hasan (Winner, Bengali); Sarwar Shah (First Runner-up) and Mohammad Arz (Second Runner-up) Winners of the art competition were Ahmed Rafsan (First Prize); Fiona Nusaiba Juha (First Runner-up); Mohammad Shahad (Second Runner-up) The Secretary of the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief, Mostafizur Rahman, attended the event and handed over the prizes to the winners. Tensions at secretariat as employees continue protests Heads of UN agencies operating in Cox’s Bazar, representatives from partner organizations and senior officials were present there. With support from humanitarian agencies, the competition was organised to nurture and showcase the creativity and talent of local Bangladeshi and Rohingya refugee youth and children. Themed “My Neighbor, My Friend,” the competition began on June 2 and concluded on June 14. It welcomed participants aged 8–16 years for art and 16–24 years for essay writing. The essay competition promoted messages of peace within and between the Rohingya and host communities, while the art competition conveyed the reason for why the Rohingya fled to Bangladesh and the importance of peaceful co-existence through visual storytelling. Participants also expressed their aspirations, resilience, and hope for the future. The winning essays will soon be published, in both English and Bengali, in national newspapers. Selected artworks will be displayed at the RRRC and ISCG offices. This celebration served as a heartfelt tribute to refugee youth, amplifying their voices and aspirations, while reaffirming the humanitarian community’s commitment to their dignity and potential. In his closing remarks, the Secretary of the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief,. Mostafizur Rahman, said, "The Rohingya community must remember—you are not alone. Despite many challenges, the local host community continues to stand beside you." He further added, "We believe in justice and equality. This is our principle and it will remain the same for the Rohingya community as well." Yoko Akasaka, Head of the UNHCR Cox’s Bazar office, said solidarity with refugees’ means listening to their stories, making space for their voices and supporting them to find not just safety, but also belonging, purpose, and hope. Our message to refugees is clear: You are not forgotten. We stand beside you in support. IOM Chief of Mission, Lance Bonneau, said, "Bangladesh is a shining example when it comes to solidarity in action. The participants of this competition have portrayed the true picture of refugee life, their resilience and aspirations. I thank and congratulate them for that." The Refugee Relief and Repatriation Commissioner (RRRC), Mizanur Rahman said, "We believe that the Rohingya community will –one day – return to their beloved homeland with dignity. The host community has continued to support them until now." ISCG Principal Coordinator Mr. David Bugden said, "From the very beginning, Bangladesh’s generous act of solidarity has enabled the Rohingya community to remain in Bangladesh. Alongside the government, international donors and other partners are also playing vital roles. We extend our sincere thanks and gratitude to all”. Since 2017, over one million Rohingya have been forcibly displaced from Myanmar and taken refuge in the camps of Ukhiya and Teknaf in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh. In this context, World Refugee Day, holds special significance for Bangladesh.

The World Refugee Day, which observed on June 20, should serve as a stark reminder to politicians of the need to do more to prevent and resolve conflict and crises and of the imperative to protect people irrespective of their race, nationality, beliefs or other characteristics, of the need to speak out and fight injustice, instead of fueling division and fomenting hate and to resolve to find pragmatic and lasting solutions to crises instead of blaming others or vilifying victims, said UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi in a message ahead of the World Refugee Day. ''Two days ago, we announced that an unprecedented number of people have been forced to flee their homes. More than 82.4 million men, women and children have had their worlds turned upside down by war, violence and persecution. While the rest of us spent much of the last year at home to stay safe, they had to run from their homes just to stay alive.'' ''And as world leaders are seemingly unable or unwilling to make peace, more and more displaced people pay the price. In the past three years alone, some one million children were born into a life of exile. What will their futures hold? What opportunities will they have to achieve their potential?,'' Grandi asked. Also read: Bangladesh observes World Refugee Day highlighting refugees' rights Simply put, he noted, leaders need to step up and work together to solve today’s global challenges. ''Yet World Refugee Day is also an opportunity to celebrate the fortitude of refugees. Those who have been stripped of everything and yet carry on, often bearing the visible and invisible wounds of war, persecution, and the anxiety of exile,'' he added. Also read: UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador Tahsan visits Cox's Bazar Rohingya camps ''Over the past several months, a time dominated by the pandemic, we have seen that refugees – while needing, deserving, and having the right to international protection, safety, and support – also give back to each other and to their host communities.'' ''When given the chance, they have run to the front lines of the COVID-19 response as doctors, nurses, cleaners, aid workers, care givers, shopkeepers, educators, and many other roles, providing essential services as we collectively battled the virus. We have seen them and their hosts selflessly share meagre resources and help lift those in the greatest of need,'' he further added. Also read: Myanmar refugee crisis brewing as turmoil hits economy ''Next month, we will see them in another arena demonstrating what can be achieved if included in society and given the same opportunities as the rest of us: refugee athletes will approach the starting line as they compete with the world’s best in the Tokyo Olympics,'' he continued. ''So on World Refugee Day, as we pause to express solidarity with refugees in our communities and around the world, I hope each of us will also acknowledge and admire the drive, determination, and contributions made by people forced to flee. My colleagues and I have the privilege of witnessing their tenacity and achievement every day, which - especially today – should be a source of inspiration for everyone, everywhere,'' he concluded. Also read: Fleeing coup, Myanmar refugees in India seek asylum World Refugee Day is observed every year on June 20 to respect and honour the courage and resilience of refugees across the world. The unprecedented and prolonged coronavirus pandemic has exposed the vulnerability of refugees who hardly have any resources to fight the health and economic crisis. This year's World Refugee Day theme - together we heal, learn and shine - aims at people belonging to all faiths, all over the world, working together to welcome stateless persons, displaced people, refugees and others who have been forced to flee their homes.

The UN refugee agency (UNHCR) Goodwill Ambassador Tahsan Khan Sunday visited Cox's Bazar and met with Rohingyas to learn about their experiences on World Refugee Day. The theme of this year's World Refugee Day is "together we heal, learn and shine." During Tahsan's visit to the Rohingya camps, he also met with Rohingya musicians and filmmakers and performed a song with them. "These young filmmakers from Omar's Film School and these talented Rohingya musicians are doing incredible work to shine a light on the Rohingya culture and heritage through music, photography and film. They are also working tirelessly to raise awareness about Covid-19 and other health messages," said Tahsan. Also read: Bhasan Char much better than Cox’s Bazar camps: UNHCR

World Refugee Day was observed in the country Sunday to raise awareness on the rights of refugees. Designed to celebrate and honour refugees from around the world, Refugee Day is an occasion to build empathy and understanding for the plight of refugees and recognise their resilience in rebuilding their lives. Also read: Myanmar refugee crisis brewing as turmoil hits economy With the theme "together we heal, learn and shine," different donors and development organisations held programmes to mark the day.   Humanitarian Crisis Management Programme (HCMP) of Brac hosted programmes at Rohingya camps in Cox's Bazar. Young boys and girls took part in the events. Community Group members of Community-Based Protection of Brac arranged a drawing competition and a henna (mehendi) festival at Camp-4 Extension of Rohingya Shelter Centre in Cox's Bazar Ukhiya.   Also read: Fleeing coup, Myanmar refugees in India seek asylum Community Group volunteers celebrated the occasion by painting henna on each other's hands. An exhibition was held at the UN's refugee agency's (UNHCR) Cox's Bazar office in the afternoon to showcase the hand-made goods of Rohingya volunteers of Community-Based Protection of Brac.

In time for World Refugee Day 2020, UNHCR and the government of Bangladesh on Saturday inaugurated an Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at Sadar Hospital, Cox’s Bazar - the first such unit in the district. 

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has recognised the generosity and humanity of host communities and countries towards refugees that often struggle with their own economic and security concerns.

Local and international NGOs including UN agencies on Thursday urged the authorities concerned to take an inclusive and integrated plan to protect the Rohingya people and the host community from coronavirus infection in Cox’s Bazar.