Bangladesh Warns of Catastrophic Collapse in Rohingya Refugee Aid

Bangladesh’s interim leader has issued an urgent warning to the United Nations. Muhammad Yunus said the Rohingya refugee crisis is on the brink of collapse. He spoke at the UN General Assembly in New York on Friday, September 26, 2025. Yunus cited severely drying international aid as the primary cause for alarm.

He described Bangladesh as “the second victim” of the crisis. The country currently shelters approximately 1.3 million Rohingya refugees. Most fled a violent military crackdown in Myanmar back in 2017.

Immediate Action Needed to Avert Humanitarian Disaster

Yunus revealed that ration cuts could soon reduce food support to a mere $6 per person. This would deepen hunger and instability in the overcrowded camps. The refugees live in bamboo shelters in Cox’s Bazar, with little hope of returning home.

According to Reuters, Yunus directly called upon international donors for help. He urged existing donors to increase their contributions. He also asked potential new donors to make generous announcements to prevent a catastrophic situation.

The pressure on Bangladesh has intensified over the past year. Another 150,000 people have fled ongoing conflict in Myanmar’s Rakhine state. Fighting there has escalated between junta forces and ethnic militias.

A Regional Crisis Demanding a Global Solution

Yunus insisted the Rohingya issue is not a bilateral problem between Bangladesh and Myanmar. He stressed it is a matter of urgent international concern. He called for the international community to press Myanmar’s military for a political settlement.

This settlement must secure equal rights and citizenship for the Rohingya minority. Persecution in Rakhine state continues unchecked eight years into the crisis. Reversal of this marginalization cannot wait any longer, he told the assembly.

Dhaka expects a high-level conference on September 30 to mobilize new funding. The goal is to agree on a time-bound roadmap toward permanent solutions. The conference aims to galvanize global resolve for this protracted crisis.

The situation in the camps is becoming increasingly dire. The international community faces a critical test of its commitment to human rights. The world must act now to prevent a full-scale catastrophe for the Rohingya people.

Dropping this nugget your way-

Q1: How many Rohingya refugees are in Bangladesh?

Bangladesh is currently sheltering about 1.3 million Rohingya refugees. Most arrived after a 2017 military crackdown in Myanmar. The numbers have grown recently due to renewed conflict.

Q2: What did Muhammad Yunus ask for at the UN?

Yunus called for immediate enhanced financial contributions from donors. He warned that aid cuts are pushing the crisis to a catastrophic point. He also urged global pressure on Myanmar for a political solution.

Q3: What is the main concern in the refugee camps?

The primary concern is a severe cut in food rations. Support could drop to just $6 per person per month. This threatens to cause widespread hunger and increased insecurity.

Q4: Why are refugees still unable to return to Myanmar?

Persecution and conflict in Myanmar’s Rakhine state continue. There is no political settlement guaranteeing their safety or rights. A military junta remains in power, and ethnic violence persists.

Q5: What happens next for the Rohingya crisis?

A high-level international conference is scheduled for September 30. The goal is to mobilize new funding and create a roadmap for solutions. The outcome of this meeting is considered critical.