UN Secretary-General Dr António Guterres concluded his four-day visit to Bangladesh and departed Dhaka. His visit garnered significant attention across media, political, and social circles. However, there were also feeble attempts by certain quarters to downplay its significance.
Dr Guterres’ visit came at a critical time when Bangladesh is grappling with both internal and external challenges aimed at obstructing the historic reforms introduced by the interim government (IG). These reforms, built on a solid foundation, are focused on strengthening democracy, ensuring free and fair elections, eradicating corruption, securing judicial independence, and depoliticizing public institutions, including both civil and military sectors.
During his visit, the secretary-general engaged in discussions with the chief adviser (CA), the adviser for foreign affairs, other key government officials, and heads of various reform commissions. He also met political leaders, stakeholders, and the chief of army staff. In a joint press conference with the adviser for foreign affairs, he reaffirmed the UN’s full support for the IG.
Dr Guterres also visited the Rohingya refugee camps in Cox’s Bazar, where he personally assessed the conditions of the refugees. As a gesture of solidarity, he participated in an iftar alongside the chief adviser and other senior officials. Addressing the refugees, he assured them that their plight remained a top priority for the UN and vowed to work closely with international and regional actors to facilitate their safe, dignified, and rights-protected repatriation to Myanmar by next year.
Exposing external interference
During his meetings with the CA and other high-ranking officials, Dr Guterres was apprised of a neighbouring country’s deliberate attempts to undermine Bangladesh through misinformation, propaganda, and covert destabilization efforts. These actors did not even spare Dr Yunus himself, resorting to character assassination by falsely accusing him of sympathizing with Islamic militants.
At the highest levels, these forces engaged in diplomatic maneuvering to discredit Bangladesh’s IG, even attempting to influence global leaders -- including former US President Donald Trump, who publicly disregarded their efforts. Dr Guterres was presented with concrete evidence of this deliberate interference in Bangladesh’s internal affairs.
Dr Guterres’ visit came at a critical time when Bangladesh is grappling with both internal and external challenges aimed at obstructing the historic reforms introduced by the interim government
What did Bangladesh gain from this visit?
The visit of the UN Secretary-General -- the head of the world’s most influential international organization -- brought significant global attention to Bangladesh, its governance, history, and the recent political transition. The world was able to witness firsthand the devastation caused by Hasina’s regime, including widespread human rights violations and killings in her desperate attempt to cling to power before fleeing the country.
Moreover, Dr Guterres observed the challenges faced by the Yunus-led IG as it worked to stabilize the nation and build a brighter future. The visit also proved to be a diplomatic victory for Bangladesh, as it successfully exposed the inimical behavior of a neighboring country that has been propagating fabricated narratives against Bangladesh. As a result, this country has now found itself on the diplomatic back foot, with its hypocrisy laid bare before the international community.
A leader under fire but unshaken
Dr Muhammad Yunus, a globally respected Nobel Laureate, has placed his lifelong reputation on the line to rescue Bangladesh from the precipice. Despite criticism from disgraced Awami League elements and their foreign backers, he and his team have thus far governed without corruption, human rights violations, or judicial manipulation -- stark contrasts to the daily abuses under Hasina’s fascist rule.
It is easy to question whether the glass is half full or half empty. The reality is that when the IG took charge, Bangladesh was in total chaos, facing over 200 blockades, work stoppages, and relentless demands from various groups, both genuine victims of the past regime and opportunists. A leader’s true character is revealed under pressure, and Dr Yunus has displayed extraordinary composure, humility, and compassion in handling these crises. His measured approach has defused much of the turmoil, revitalized the economy, stabilized macroeconomic indicators, and curbed inflation -- bringing relief to the masses despite external challenges.
Dr Guterres experienced firsthand the prevailing national mindset -- a nation determined to move forward under principled leadership.
A diplomatic triumph for Bangladesh
Dr António Guterres’ visit was a remarkable diplomatic success for the IG. It not only countered the malicious conspiracies of Hasina and her foreign backers but also reassured the world of the IG’s commitment to democratic governance. His visit to Cox’s Bazar further strengthened global awareness and humanitarian responsibility toward the Rohingya crisis, potentially paving the way for stronger international intervention.
Bangladesh stands at a pivotal moment in its history, and this visit reaffirms the world’s recognition of its new path toward democracy, justice, and stability.
Ashraf ud Doula is a former Ambassador and Secretary.
