UN representative urges restored aid and safe return for Rohingya during Ramadan visit to Bangladesh

A United Nations representative visiting Bangladesh during Ramadan said Monday that Rohingya refugees want to return to Myanmar and urged the international community to restore humanitarian funding after recent donor cuts.

"First, Rohingyas want to go back to Myanmar," the United Nations representative said, adding that "it's essential that [the] international community does everything to make sure that peace is reestablished in Myanmar and that the rights of the Rohingyas are respected." The representative also said refugees "want better conditions in the camp."

The speaker warned that "dramatic cuts in humanitarian aid were announced by The United States and by several other countries, namely in Europe," and that because of those cuts "we are at risk to cut the food rations in this camp."

Referencing the broader political moment in Bangladesh, the United Nations representative noted the country's ongoing transition and mentioned the leadership of "chief adviser Yunus," saying the people hope for greater democracy, justice and prosperity. The representative pledged that "the UN stands ready to assist in fostering peace, national dialogue, trust, and healing," and added, "You can count on the UN to be your steadfast partner, working alongside the government and the people of Bangladesh to help build a sustainable, equitable future for all."

The remarks combined a call for renewed international humanitarian funding with a diplomatic appeal for progress on conditions in Myanmar that would enable safe returns. The transcript does not list specific follow-up steps, dates for future action, or the identity of other officials present during the visit.