Emran Emon

The upcoming visit of the United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres to Bangladesh from March 13 to March 16, 2025, marks a significant moment for the nation, reflecting both its growing diplomatic stature and the urgent global issues it grapples with. This visit comes at a time when Bangladesh stands at the crossroads of progress and persistent challenges, especially in areas like refugee management, climate change, and democratic reforms. It presents an opportunity not only for the country to showcase its achievements but also to strengthen its partnership with the global community.

Over the past decade, Bangladesh has played a pivotal role in South Asia, driven by its impressive economic growth, social development, and proactive diplomacy. The country has consistently maintained a strong voice at the United Nations on issues like climate justice, sustainable development, and global peacekeeping.

António Guterres’ visit is a recognition of Bangladesh's evolving role on the global stage. It indicates that the UN sees Bangladesh not just as a recipient of international aid but as a strategic partner in addressing some of the world’s most pressing challenges. From its leadership in climate adaptation to its humanitarian efforts for Rohingya refugees, Bangladesh is now viewed as both a model and a collaborator in global problem-solving.

This visit also serves to reinforce Bangladesh's commitment to multilateralism—the idea that global issues require collective global responses—and its determination to work within the UN framework for peace, justice, and sustainable development.

One of the most critical aspects of the UN Secretary-General's visit will undoubtedly be the Rohingya refugee crisis. Since 2017, Bangladesh has sheltered over a million Rohingya refugees who fled persecution in Myanmar's Rakhine State. Despite its generosity, the prolonged stay of the refugees has put immense strain on Bangladesh's resources, raising concerns about security, social cohesion, and economic stability.

The situation in Myanmar remains dire, with the ongoing conflict between the military junta and the Arakan Army complicating any immediate hopes for the safe and voluntary repatriation of the refugees. Guterres' visit is expected to reinvigorate international efforts to address the crisis. His presence will draw global attention back to the plight of the Rohingyas—a crisis that, over the years, has faced diminishing media and diplomatic focus.

Bangladesh will likely push for three key commitments from the UN:
1. Increased Humanitarian Aid: Ensuring that donor countries do not scale back their funding for refugee camps.
2. Diplomatic Pressure on Myanmar: Encouraging the UN to take a stronger stance against Myanmar’s military regime and push for a peaceful resolution in Rakhine State.
3. Third-Country Resettlement Options: Exploring viable pathways for the most vulnerable refugees to be resettled in willing third countries.

Moreover, the planned high-level international conference on the Rohingya issue, expected later this year, will undoubtedly be a focal point of discussions during Guterres' visit. Bangladesh will push for concrete, time-bound actions, moving beyond mere rhetoric.

Another crucial area of discussion will be Bangladesh's ongoing efforts to strengthen its democratic institutions. Under the leadership of the current interim government headed by Professor Muhammad Yunus, the country has set up six reform commissions focusing on: Public Administration, Anti-Corruption, Judiciary, Police, Electoral System and Constitutional Amendments.

These commissions aim to address long-standing governance issues and pave the way for free, fair, and credible elections.

The UN Chief's visit presents an opportunity for Bangladesh to reaffirm its commitment to democratic reforms and human rights. Guterres is likely to encourage the continuation of these initiatives, stressing the importance of inclusivity and transparency in the political process. Bangladesh can use this platform to request UN technical support for electoral reforms, judicial capacity building, and anti-corruption measures. Such collaboration would not only strengthen internal governance but also bolster Bangladesh’s international image as a nation genuinely committed to democratic principles.

Given António Guterres’ strong advocacy for climate action, his visit will undoubtedly emphasize the urgent need for climate resilience—an issue that resonates deeply with Bangladesh.

As one of the world’s most climate-vulnerable countries, Bangladesh faces rising sea-levels, frequent cyclones, and erratic weather patterns that threaten millions of lives and livelihoods. Yet, despite these challenges, Bangladesh has emerged as a global leader in climate adaptation, implementing community-based initiatives and innovative solutions like floating farms and solar micro-grids.

During the visit, Bangladesh will likely push for:
Increased Climate Financing: Ensuring that developed nations fulfill their pledges to provide $100 billion annually to climate-vulnerable countries.

Technology Transfer: Seeking UN support for access to climate-resilient technologies, which is very essential for us.

Inclusion in Global Decision-Making: Advocating for stronger representation of climate-vulnerable nations in international climate negotiations.

By positioning itself as both a victim and a pioneer of climate adaptation, Bangladesh can strengthen its case for global solidarity and action. António Guterres’ visit is more than just a diplomatic event, it is an opportunity to build a forward-looking partnership between Bangladesh and the United Nations.

Bangladesh must strategically use this visit to:
Secure Commitments: Ensure that UN support for the Rohingya crisis, democratic reforms, and climate action translates into concrete plans and funding.

Shape Global Narratives: Assert itself as a leader in both humanitarian and climate issues, reinforcing its role as a key partner in global governance.

Strengthen Multilateralism: Align its national interests with global UN agendas, fostering deeper collaboration on sustainable development goals (SDGs) and peacekeeping missions.

At the same time, the UN must recognize Bangladesh’s dual identity—both as a country needing support for its humanitarian and climate challenges, and as a responsible global partner contributing to peace and stability.

As Bangladesh prepares to host UN Secretary-General António Guterres, the visit symbolizes a renewed commitment to multilateralism and shared global responsibilities. It presents an opportunity for Bangladesh to showcase its progress, push for stronger global support on critical issues, and solidify its standing as a nation shaping global discourse.

The success of this visit will depend not only on diplomatic engagements but also on the follow-through—the concrete actions and partnerships that emerge from these high-level talks.

Ultimately, UN Chief's António Guterres’ presence in Bangladesh should serve as a catalyst—inspiring greater international collaboration, reinforcing Bangladesh’s global leadership, and paving the way for a more just, sustainable and inclusive future.

The writer is a researcher, journalist and columnist.