DHAKA, Bangladesh

The visiting UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Friday asked Myanmar to pave the way for democracy and protect its citizens as violence in Myanmar is deepening the humanitarian crisis and displacing more Rohingya.

“My message to all parties in Myanmar is clear: exercise maximum restraint, prioritize the protection of civilians in accordance with international humanitarian law, and prevent further incitement of communal tension and violence – paving the way for democracy to take root,” he said while addressing Rohingya in southeastern Bangladesh.

Bangladesh is hosting over 1.2 million Rohingya in Cox’s Bazar who fled a Myanmar crackdown in 2017.

Guterres said many others arrived more recently, escaping brutal violations of human rights, triggered generalized anti-Muslim hate.

Later, Guterres and Bangladesh transitional government head Muhammad Yunus shared Iftar with about 100,000 Rohingya arranged by Bangladesh.

The UN chief arrived in Dhaka on Thursday on a four-day visit to start off his Ramadan solidarity with Rohingya.

“They [Rohingya] want to go home -- Myanmar,” he said, adding that “but the situation in Myanmar remains dire.”

Over funding shortage, he said “we are on the verge of a deep humanitarian crisis.”

WFP said without immediate funding, rations for over 1 million Rohingya refugees will have to be halved – from $12.50 per person per month to just $6, starting 1 April.

In that situation, Guterres promised to do everything to avoid ration cuts.

“I will be talking to all countries in the world to support us and to make sure funds are made available to avoid the situation in which people will suffer even more and some people would even die,” Guterres said.

Echoing the same, Yunus said his government would also do everything to support Rohingya, and work with the world so that Rohingya can return and enjoy next Eid with their families in Myanmar. ​​​​​​​