Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Raises Rohingya Concerns While Urging More Female Peacekeepers in UN Missions

By: Camp Correspondent

April 20, 2025 | Cox’s Bazar / Dhaka

While meeting with a senior United Nations official, Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus called for greater inclusion of Bangladeshi women in UN peacekeeping missions. He simultaneously expressed concern over growing instability in Myanmar, an issue directly affecting Rohingya refugees temporarily residing in Bangladesh.

The remarks came during a meeting with Jean-Pierre Lacroix, UN Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations, held at the State Guest House Jamuna in Dhaka on Sunday.

“One thing that I encourage is the participation of more Bangladeshi women in peacekeeping missions,” Professor Yunus said.

Bangladesh remains one of the top contributors to UN peacekeeping, with over 5,600 personnel currently deployed. During the meeting, Yunus also urged for greater Bangladeshi representation in UN leadership roles and reaffirmed the country’s commitment to ethical standards and rapid deployment under UN protocols.

Reference to Rohingya Crisis from the Perspective of a Host State

While the meeting focused on global peacekeeping contributions, Professor Yunus briefly addressed the Rohingya issue as a regional concern, warning that the worsening situation in Myanmar—particularly cross-border violence—poses risks to Bangladesh’s internal stability.

“Continued instability in Myanmar could spill over into Bangladesh,” he noted, expressing concern over cross-border shelling near the Naf River and its impact on host communities.

However, it is important to clarify that Professor Yunus spoke as the Chief Adviser of Bangladesh, not on behalf of the forcibly displaced Rohingya population. Rohingya community leaders in the camps have expressed cautious optimism when Bangladeshi officials raise concerns about their safety, but they also emphasize that Rohingya voices must be included in international platforms directly.

Rohingya Voices: “We Are Not Participants in Diplomacy — We Are the Ones at Risk”

Rohingya civil society actors welcome global advocacy, but note that representation without direct participation remains an obstacle.

“We appreciate when Bangladesh speaks about the dangers we face,” said a Rohingya teacher from Camp-9. “But decisions about our future must include our own people. The Chief Adviser is not our representative. We are still waiting for our own voices to be heard.”

“When high-level meetings happen, our lives are discussed, but we are not in the room,” said another Rohingya youth from Camp-10. “We hope the UN will listen to those who live through this crisis—not just the countries around it.”

Hope Amid Diplomatic Engagement

During the meeting, Professor Yunus also referred to UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ recent visit to the Rohingya refugee camps, stating that it had “reignited hope” among the refugees for eventual return. But many Rohingya insist that hope must be followed by firm action, protection mechanisms, and international guarantees.

Meanwhile, a Bangladeshi delegation is expected to attend the UN Peacekeeping Ministerial in Berlin on May 13–14, 2025, where global security and humanitarian issues—including the situation in Myanmar—may be further discussed.