Tahsan Khan, a popular Bangladeshi singer, songwriter, actor and television host, has renewed his engagement as a goodwill ambassador for UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency.
“It has been nine years since the Rohingya fled Myanmar and sought shelter and safety here in Bangladesh. Without a sustainable solution in sight, it is essential to continue advocating for compassion, as their plight is far from over,” Tahsan said. “I have met families who have endured unimaginable loss and hardship. Their strength inspires me, and I want to use my voice to amplify their stories.”
Tahsan, UNHCR’s first goodwill ambassador in Bangladesh, was initially appointed in 2021. Since then, he has supported the agency’s advocacy and public engagement efforts, helping raise awareness and inspire positive change for the rights and resilience of refugees.
“Tahsan has been a dedicated advocate for refugees over the years. His engagement reflects the empathy and deep sense of responsibility we all need at this time,” said Ivo Freijsen, UNHCR representative in Bangladesh. “We are proud to extend his appointment and look forward to continuing our collaboration to promote protection and hope for refugees. In a country that generously hosts over one million refugees, such a voice counts.”
Over the years, Tahsan has actively supported UNHCR’s work with Rohingya refugees in Cox’s Bazar, including visits to refugee camps, engagement with communities, and participation in global advocacy events such as World Refugee Day.
In 2025, he visited the site of a major fire that destroyed parts of a camp, witnessing firsthand the devastation affecting thousands of lives. He described the incident as a stark reminder of the ongoing hardships faced by Rohingya refugees.
“The refugees I met told me of their wish to return home voluntarily when it is safe to do so,” Tahsan said during the visit. “Until that is possible, we must continue to stand by them, providing support, protection and life-saving services, while sustaining hope.”
He also expressed gratitude to UNHCR staff for their efforts in addressing the refugee crisis despite significant risks.
Bangladesh currently hosts nearly 1.2 million Rohingya refugees, most of whom live in 33 densely populated camps in Cox’s Bazar, one of the largest refugee settlements in the world. Many have been living in the camps for nearly nine years, with limited access to formal education, livelihoods and long-term opportunities.
Tahsan is one of 36 goodwill ambassadors for UNHCR, a group of prominent supporters working to mobilise public support and draw attention to the needs and rights of displaced people. The extension of his appointment reflects UNHCR’s appreciation of his continued commitment and its shared resolve to ensure that refugees are not forgotten.
Cox’s Bazar Life Report
Photo: Collected
