A high-level meeting was held between Environment Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan and UN Resident Coordinator in Bangladesh Gwyn Lewis. The Adviser stressed the need for careful analysis of all plans and activities. She suggested that at least two or three projects should be implemented as a practical step forward, with a focus on rapid and effective climate actions, river restoration, and integrated environmental management. The discussion also covered the Climate Prosperity Plan, updated NDC, and potential collaborations with the ADB, EU, and Sweden. Rizwana Hasan highlighted the need for river recovery, canal restoration, and the implementation of the Delta Plan, urging the inclusion of mandatory public hearings in every development project to ensure transparency and public participation.

At the 58th session of the UN Commission on Population and Development (CPD), Bangladesh urged the international community to invest more in universal health and wellbeing, especially for youth. Professor Dr. Sayedur Rahman outlined Bangladesh’s focus on expanding healthcare access through social business models and community empowerment. He highlighted progress in maternal and newborn health through midwife training and education. Later, he spoke at a high-level side event organized by UNFPA on the role of midwives in improving maternal and neonatal care.

The World Food Programme (WFP) has stated on X (formerly Twitter) that it was advised about the discontinuation of new American aid for 14 countries. While it didn’t specify the nations affected, the agency warned that, if implemented, “this would amount to a death sentence for millions facing extreme hunger and starvation.” The Trump administration has also informed the UN Population Fund that two programs will be terminated—one in Afghanistan and another linked to Syria. USAID, which once had an annual budget of $42.8 billion and accounted for 42% of global aid, has been severely impacted.

Following the breakdown of a ceasefire, renewed Israeli attacks on Gaza are causing devastating harm to children, with at least 100 children killed or injured daily, said UNRWA head Philippe Lazzarini.
“This war is not theirs, yet it is claiming their lives,” he stated, urging immediate action to protect Gaza’s children.
Lazzarini added that nearly 15,000 children have reportedly died since the war began a year and a half ago.
Pakistan has called on the UN Security Council to take immediate steps to halt the war.

At a high-level event at the United Nations General Assembly marking ‘International Zero Waste Day,’ Turkey’s First Lady Emine Erdoğan praised Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus for his remarkable contributions and global support for waste reduction. Focusing on fashion and textile waste, Emine Erdoğan highlighted the devastating impact of current linear production models and emphasized the importance of reducing, reusing, and recycling to protect the planet’s future. Bangladesh’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Salahuddin Noman Chowdhury, reaffirmed Bangladesh’s commitment to addressing sustainability challenges in the textile sector.

The United Nations has appealed to the international community for nearly $1 billion in aid for Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh for the 2025-26 period. The appeal was made during the Joint Response Plan (JRP) launch event in Geneva.

Dr. Khalilur Rahman, High Representative of Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser, led the country’s delegation, alongside UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi and IOM Director General Amy Pope.

The UN reported that one-third of the Rohingya refugees are between 10-24 years old. Without access to formal education, skills training, and self-reliance opportunities, their future remains uncertain.

UNICEF Bangladesh Representative Rana Flowers expressed deep concern over the alarming rise in sexual violence against children, particularly girls. She welcomed the government's recent announcement of stricter measures against rapists and emphasized the need for immediate prosecution of offenders.

On Wednesday, the Director-General of the Election Commission’s NID Division, ASM Humayun Kabir, held a meeting with a UNHCR delegation at the Election Commission office. During the meeting, he mentioned that the information available with UNHCR is also sought by the government. A memorandum of understanding has been signed with the government, allowing the sharing of data regarding the Rohingyas. Discussions focused on how this data can be obtained. He further noted that with elections approaching, Rohingyas are attempting to enter the system. The sooner the data is available, the more beneficial it will be, enabling better control. This will reduce the need for much effort in preventing the Rohingyas from entering the system.

Israel has resumed its brutal military offensive in Gaza, killing over 400 Palestinians despite the previous ceasefire. UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed his outrage over the renewed violence. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Guterres urged all parties to respect the ceasefire, ensure uninterrupted humanitarian aid, and unconditionally release the remaining hostages. Governments worldwide, along with numerous humanitarian organizations, have condemned Israel’s fresh wave of bombings in Gaza.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres left Dhaka on Sunday morning after a four-day official visit. Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan and High Representative for Rohingya Affairs Khalilur Rahman bid him farewell at the airport. Before leaving, he had a phone conversation with Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus. During his visit, Guterres met with high-ranking officials and visited Rohingya refugee camps in Cox’s Bazar, where he shared an Iftar meal with 100,000 Rohingya refugees.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres has emphasized the need for dialogue with the Arakan Army to ensure the safe repatriation of Rohingya refugees and restore their rightful status. He stated that coordinated international pressure is essential to end the Myanmar conflict and restore democracy. Guterres also mentioned the possibility of establishing a humanitarian aid channel from Bangladesh to Myanmar.

On Saturday, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) reported that UN Secretary-General António Guterres held a courtesy meeting with Bangladesh Army Chief General Waqar-Uz-Zaman during his visit to Bangladesh.

During the meeting, Guterres praised the professionalism and efficiency of Bangladesh’s armed forces in UN peacekeeping missions. He also expressed his sincere gratitude for the significant contributions made by Bangladeshi peacekeepers.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed optimism that Bangladesh’s upcoming election would set a global precedent during a meeting with political parties on Saturday. Addressing BNP leaders regarding state reforms, he remarked, “How much reform you undertake is an internal matter for you.” The meeting included representatives from BNP, Jamaat, NCP, AB Party, and other political groups, who presented their reform plans and political positions to the UN chief.

On the third day of his visit, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres held a meeting with political leaders in Bangladesh. Leaders arrived at the venue about half an hour before the scheduled time. Present at the meeting were Adviser Asif Nazrul, BNP Secretary-General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Salahuddin Ahmed, Jamaat-e-Islami’s Nayeb-e-Ameer Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher, NCP Convenor Nahid Islam, and AB Party General Secretary Asaduzzaman Fuad. Leaders of the Oikya Commission were also in attendance.

On the occasion of the International Day to Combat Islamophobia, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres shared a video message on X, expressing deep concern over the alarming rise of Islamophobia worldwide. He warned that discriminatory policies are fueling violence and urged everyone to speak out against Islamophobia. He also called for online platforms to take responsibility in preventing hate speech and harassment.