Tahsan becomes goodwill ambassador of UNHCR

Musician and telefilm actor Tahsan Rahman Khan has been selected as a goodwill ambassador for Bangladesh by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).

The announcement was made at a press conference on Saturday by Stephen Corliss, the head of the UN refugee agency in Bangladesh.

This is the first time that the UNHCR has appointed a Bangladeshi as their ambassador.

Tahsan will fulfill this responsibility for the next two years.

UNHCR ensures the protection of refugees and displaced persons around the world, provides life-saving assistance, and works to resolve crises.

Currently the humanitarian agency globally has 32 goodwill ambassadors like Tahsan. Through their fame, dedication, and work, they highlight the situation of refugees in different countries and the activities of the organisation.

Since 2019, Tahsan has been working with UNHCR on various initiatives to reach out to refugees.

At the conference, Tahsan said, “I am honoured and proud to be a part of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. Today, more than one percent of the world's population is displaced by conflict and persecution.

“As one of the lucky 99 percent of the people, it is my humanitarian duty to speak on behalf of the refugees,” he said.

Tahsan thanked Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and the government for providing shelter to the Rohingya refugees.

UNHCR Representative in Bangladesh Steven Corliss said, "It is really a matter of honour and pride for us that Tahsan has agreed to be the UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador in Bangladesh.

“He is not only a talented musician and actor, he is an extraordinary man dedicated to refugees. Who is immensely popular and admired in Bangladesh and abroad. I am confident that Tahsan will work as a new voice for the rights, welfare, and protection of refugees," Corliss said.

The UNHCR's work began in Bangladesh in 1971 with the repatriation of refugee Bangladeshis from neighboring countries to independent Bangladesh. The organization's activities in Bangladesh continuing to provide assistance to ongoing Rohingya refugees.