UN Pledges Support for Bangladesh Reforms and Recovery

The United Nations will support Bangladesh in various sectors, including police and election reforms, as the interim government initiates a major overhaul of the country’s institutions, according to the UN's resident coordinator in Dhaka.

Gwyn Lewis, the UN chief in Bangladesh, gave this assurance during a courtesy call on Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus at his Tejgaon office today.

During their discussion, they covered topics such as institutional reforms, corruption, floods, the Rohingya crisis, and the ongoing UN investigation into the violence that occurred in July and August.

Lewis voiced her support for the interim government's reform efforts and thanked Professor Yunus for his "extraordinary leadership" as head of the post-revolution administration.

The Chief Adviser described this period as the "most unifying moment" for the nation, stating that his government’s primary objective was to "set an example" for future governance.

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"This is a crucial opportunity for the country to reform its economy and fix nearly every institution," he emphasized.

Lewis inquired about reforms in the security sector, particularly the police force. Professor Yunus confirmed that police reform was one of the government's top priorities.

He also highlighted the government's commitment to establishing an integrated national IT system to reduce bureaucratic inefficiencies and curb corruption.

In addition, he noted the formation of a commission aimed at overhauling the electoral system to ensure free and fair elections.

Lewis mentioned that the UN-led investigation team has already begun examining the atrocities committed during the July-August unrest. She added that UN agencies, including WHO and ILO, are exploring ways to assist injured victims and those traumatized by the events.

The UN has also contributed $4 million towards post-flood rehabilitation efforts in the eastern and southern regions of Bangladesh, where approximately 18 million people have been affected by the monsoon floods. Lewis said the UN is coordinating aid through various agencies and charities to support the flood victims.

Professor Yunus requested UN assistance in developing an early warning system for floods in South Asia.

They also discussed environmental concerns, climate change, and issues related to the Chittagong Hill Tracts, with Lewis detailing the UN's ongoing aid work in the region.

Professor Yunus further sought UN support in improving the prospects for Rohingya children in refugee camps, warning that "a whole generation of disillusioned youth" is growing up in those camps.