The Rohingyas are on the verge of a deep humanitarian crisis in the wake of cuts in aid, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned yesterday, calling for more funds from international donors.

"The international community has an obligation to invest now in that aid for people who have already suffered so much. There is no time to waste," he said.

Guterres, accompanied by Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus, was addressing a large gathering of Rohingyas at a refugee camp in Ukhiya of Cox's Bazar.

Yunus pledged to put the government's efforts together with the United Nations so that the Rohingyas can celebrate their Eid next year back at their homes in Rakhine state.

In the Cox's Bazar camps, the life of the refugees has become more uncertain. The World Food Programme will be cutting monthly food rations from $12.5 to $6 per person from April, as the US has trimmed funds globally under the Donald Trump administration.

Ultimately the solution must be found in Myanmar. We will not give up until conditions allow for the voluntary, safe and sustainable return for the refugees here

— Antonio Guterres, UN secretary-general

In 2024, donors provided only $554 million, or 65 percent of the total requirement for the more than 1 million Rohingya refugees.

"We are on the verge of a deep humanitarian crisis. With the announced cuts in financial assistance, we are facing the dramatic risk of having only 40 percent in 2025 of the resources available for humanitarian aid in 2024," Guterres said at a different press conference in Ukhiya.

"That would be an unmitigated disaster. People will suffer and people will die."

Guterres, wearing a white panjabi, and Yunus had iftar with thousands of Rohingyas and members of the host community in Cox's Bazar broke Ramadan fast.

The Rohingyas greeted the two by waving hands as they arrived at the Camp 20 Extension at 5:35pm. Later, they joined the Ramadan Solidarity Iftar with one lakh Rohingyas.

Many carried placards with slogans like "UN take us to our home back", "UN ensure our safe and dignified return", "We are Rohingya, not stateless" and "No more refugee life".

Over the last eight years, after the brutal Myanmar military crackdown in 2017, not a single Rohingya has volunteered to return to Rakhine State, arguing that there is no security, guarantee of citizenship and basic life. Their return has become more uncertain with military-rebel conflicts in Rakhine.

In his address to the Rohingyas, Yunus thanked the UN chief for coming to listen to the refugees so that a solution can be found. He sought to work with Guterres to resolve the issue swiftly.

The Rohingyas who met the chief adviser told him they have land in Myanmar and could make a living there. "We came here because we were not allowed to stay in our own country. We do not want to be a burden to anyone," one of them said.

Guterres said all must recognise the enormous support of the Bangladeshi people sharing their land, forests, scarce water and meagre resources with the refugees.

Recalling his last visit to Cox's Bazar in 2018, Guterres said the camps had seen many improvements, but the challenges were still great.

"These camps -- and the communities that host them -- are on the frontlines of the climate crisis. Summers are scorching, and the chance of fires skyrocket. In the cyclone and monsoon seasons – floods and dangerous landslides destroy homes and lives."

Guterres said he spoke with many Rohingyas and was inspired by their courage and moved by their determination. Many shared harrowing accounts of their ordeals in Myanmar and their journeys here.

"They want to go home. Myanmar is their homeland. And returning in a safe, voluntary, and dignified manner is the primary solution to this crisis."

He urged all parties in Myanmar to exercise maximum restraint, prioritise the protection of civilians in accordance with international humanitarian law, and prevent further incitement of communal tension and violence in order to pave the way for democracy to take root.

"But the situation in Myanmar remains dire, including in Rakhine State. Until the conflict and systematic persecution in Rakhine end, we must support those who need protection."

In addition to food, the Rohingyas in Bangladesh are also hungry for education, skill-building, and opportunities for self-dependence. When prospects are limited, violence, crime, and other security issues naturally rise. Some Rohingya families feel they have no option but to risk everything on perilous sea journeys to reach wealthier countries, he said.

"So we have a special obligation to ensure the aid reaches Rohingya refugees, and show that the world hasn't forgotten them."

UN and other aid agencies are confronting the prospect of enormous funding cuts. This will have a direct and dire impact on people, and the entire refugee population depends on humanitarian aid, Guterres said.

"I repeat: Cox's Bazar is ground zero for the impact of budget cuts on people in desperate need.

"Here it is clear, budget reductions are not about numbers on a balance sheet. Funding cuts have dramatic human costs.

"Ultimately, the solution must be found in Myanmar. We will not give up until conditions allow for the voluntary, safe and sustainable return for the refugees here. Until then, I urge the international community to step up."

Earlier in the afternoon, Guterres visited the Rohingya Cultural Centre in Camp 18 of Ukhiya, spoke to Rohingya women, saw the handicrafts made by the Rohingyas and appreciated their skills.

During an interaction, a Rohingya youth called for the UN to draw attention of the international community to come to their aid and protect them until they are able to return to Myanmar.

"We want a safe zone for us in Rakhine," he said.

As people were gathering for the iftar, a 43-year-old Rohingya man died and several others were injured during a stampede inside the camp, reports UNB.

Guterres arrived in Bangladesh on Thursday afternoon on a four-day visit. Today, he will be attending events with the youths and civil society members in Dhaka before attending an iftar party to be hosted by Yunus. The UN chief will fly back to New York on Sunday morning.