Tahsan Reappointed UNHCR Ambassador

Popular Bangladeshi singer and actor Tahsan Khan has been formally reappointed as a Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), extending his long-standing association with the global humanitarian agency. The renewal of his mandate was officially confirmed on Wednesday, marking a continued commitment to raising awareness on refugee protection and humanitarian crises.

Tahsan’s reappointment reflects his sustained engagement with UNHCR’s advocacy work since first taking up the role in 2021. Over the years, he has been actively involved in field visits, awareness campaigns, and international outreach efforts aimed at highlighting the plight of forcibly displaced populations, particularly the Rohingya refugees residing in Bangladesh.

Following the renewal of his role, Tahsan expressed deep concern over the protracted Rohingya crisis. He noted that nearly nine years have passed since hundreds of thousands of Rohingya fled persecution in Myanmar and sought refuge in Bangladesh. Despite ongoing international discussions, a durable and sustainable solution remains elusive. He emphasised that continued global attention and humanitarian solidarity are essential to prevent the crisis from fading into neglect.

Reflecting on his experiences in the refugee camps of Cox’s Bazar, Tahsan described the encounters as profoundly moving. He highlighted the resilience of displaced families who, despite losing their homes, livelihoods, and loved ones, continue to demonstrate extraordinary strength in the face of adversity. According to him, sharing their stories with the wider world is not merely advocacy but a moral responsibility.

Since his initial appointment, Tahsan has visited multiple refugee settlements, participated in humanitarian response initiatives, and contributed to campaigns designed to amplify refugee voices on global platforms. In 2025, following a devastating fire incident in one of the camps, he visited the affected areas to assess the humanitarian impact firsthand. He later remarked that such tragedies underscore how quickly thousands of lives can be disrupted, reinforcing his commitment to humanitarian service.

UNHCR’s Representative in Bangladesh, Ivo Freijsen, described Tahsan as a dedicated and influential advocate whose voice has significantly contributed to increasing public awareness of refugee issues. The agency welcomed his continued engagement, expressing optimism about further collaboration in the coming years.

Bangladesh currently hosts approximately 1.2 million Rohingya refugees, the majority of whom reside in 33 densely populated camps in Cox’s Bazar. These settlements are among the largest refugee complexes in the world, presenting ongoing challenges related to shelter, healthcare, education, and long-term sustainability.

The following table summarises key details of Tahsan Khan’s association with UNHCR:

Tahsan reiterated that until a safe, dignified, and sustainable resolution is achieved for the Rohingya crisis, the international community must remain engaged. He stressed that empathy, shared responsibility, and coordinated global action remain the strongest foundations for addressing one of the world’s most enduring humanitarian emergencies.