by Hafizur Rahman
June 2, 2026
The election of Dr. Khalilur Rahman as President of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly has been welcomed by many Rohingya refugees and community leaders, who say the development offers renewed hope for greater international attention to the Rohingya crisis.
Dr. Rahman was elected with 99 votes from UN member states and is widely known for his involvement in humanitarian and refugee-related issues, including matters affecting the Rohingya community.
Many Rohingya refugees living in Bangladesh said they hope his new position will help amplify their concerns and strengthen international efforts to address their long-standing displacement.
“We feel happy today,” said Mohammed Rofique, a Rohingya refugee living in Cox’s Bazar. “We believe his leadership at the UN can bring our voice closer to the world. We are waiting for justice and a safe future.”
Another community member said the election had raised hopes that the international community would pay greater attention to the plight of Rohingya refugees.
“For many years, our story was ignored,” the refugee said. “Now we see a chance that the world may listen more clearly. We trust he will not forget us.”
A Rohingya teacher described the election as a source of encouragement for refugees who have spent years living in uncertainty.
“This is not only a political victory,” the teacher said. “For us, it feels like a small light in a long darkness. We hope he will work for peace and dignity for all refugees.”
Community leaders also expressed hope that the new UN General Assembly president would help strengthen discussions on citizenship rights, protection for displaced Rohingya people, and safe, voluntary repatriation to Arakan.
Khin Maung congratulated Dr. Rahman on his election and said the Rohingya community hopes his leadership will help keep the Rohingya crisis on the international agenda.
“We sincerely hope his leadership will keep the Rohingya crisis at the heart of the global agenda and turn international attention into meaningful action for safe, dignified, and voluntary repatriation to Arakan,” Khin Maung said.
“At this critical moment, we believe his experience and commitment can help move the world closer to justice and lasting peace for the Rohingya people.”
Khin Maung also expressed appreciation for Dr. Rahman’s achievement and emphasized the importance of continued efforts to resolve the Rohingya refugee crisis.
Humanitarian workers in the refugee camps noted that changes in international leadership often generate hope among displaced communities, particularly when newly elected officials are perceived as sympathetic to refugee concerns.
The Rohingya community has called on the United Nations and its new General Assembly president to prioritize refugee protection, peacebuilding, and durable solutions to displacement crises around the world.
As discussions continue across the camps, many Rohingya families say they are watching the new UN leadership with hope and cautious optimism for the future.
