UNHCR appoints Tahsan Khan as Goodwill Ambassador

UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, today announced the appointment of popular Bangladeshi musician and actor, Tahsan Khan, as its first Goodwill Ambassador in Bangladesh.

He will join almost 30 UNHCR Goodwill Ambassadors globally, who help to highlight the situation of refugees and the work of UNHCR in every corner of the world, through their influence, dedication and hard work, said a press release. 

Tahsan Khan has been supporting UNHCR's advocacy and outreach activities since 2019. He visited the Rohingya refugee settlements in Cox's Bazar, and supported UNHCR in the promotion of World Refugee Day and other events. 

Through these engagements, Khan has witnessed the complex Rohingya humanitarian response in Cox's Bazar, met with refugees, and deepened his understanding of the root causes of displacement.

Regarding the appointment, Khan, who is popularly known as Tahsan, said, "I feel privileged and honoured to be engaging with UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, which ensures protection, provides life-saving assistance and seeks solutions for millions of refugees and displaced people worldwide. More than one percent of humanity – 1 in every 97 people – are displaced by conflict and persecution."

He also said, "As part of the privileged 99 percent, I feel a moral obligation to offer every support I can extend to uphold their voices".
Steven Corliss, UNHCR's Representative in Bangladesh said, "We are truly honoured and proud that Tahsan has agreed to become UNHCR's Goodwill Ambassador in Bangladesh. Not only is he a brilliant musician and actor, Tahsan is also a passionate refugee advocate and a wonderful human being, who is well-respected and liked in Bangladesh and beyond."

He express optimism, saying, "I am very sure that Tahsan will be able to use his reach and influence to give a voice to refugees and advocate for their well-being and protection."

UNHCR engages prominent individuals as Goodwill Ambassadors and supporters as advocates to draw attention to the need of refugees and other forcibly displaced people to be protected, live decently and find solutions for their plight. 

Bangladesh hosts nearly 900,000 Rohingya refugees in the largest refugee camp in the world in Cox's Bazar district.

UNHCR marked its 70th Anniversary of UNHCR on 14 December 2020. The fact that UNHCR's work has remained so essential since 1950 is not cause for celebration, but the 70th Anniversary is an opportunity for UNHCR to look back, reflect on today's challenges and draw inspiration for the future. 

UNHCR's history in Bangladesh dates back to the Liberation War of 1971 and successive influxes of Rohingya refugees into Bangladesh from Myanmar since the late 1970s, including the influx of some 740,000 refugees following August 2017.