Staff Reporter :
United Nations Resident Coordinator Gwyn Lewis has reaffirmed the UN’s ongoing commitment to support the Election Commission of Bangladesh prior to the parliamentary election scheduled early next year.
She came up with the statement while meeting with Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on Thursday at the State Guest House Jamuna in Dhaka.
During the meeting, Lewis praised the strong cooperation between the UN and the Interim Government.
Both sides discussed a wide range of topics on Bangladesh’s development priorities and reform agenda of the Interim Government.
However, their conversation, according to CA office, was centered on the upcoming election in Bangladesh.
During this talk, the Resident Coordinator reaffirmed the UN’s ongoing commitment to support the Bangladesh Election Commission prior to the general elections scheduled for February.
“The UN fully supports the February general election. It is crucial for the country’s democratic transition,” she stated. They discussed ways the UN could assist in ensuring a transparent, free, fair, and peaceful electoral process.
The two also explored avenues for expanded UN support to advance the government’s ambitious reform initiatives.
Preparations for the upcoming United Nations General Assembly meetings in New York and the Rohingya conference later this month were also reviewed.
Both leaders expressed deep concern over the sharp decline in international funding for Rohingya humanitarian efforts, which is already affecting education and other critical services in the camps.
Chief Adviser Yunus stressed the urgent need for sustained international solidarity and increased support to address the funding shortfall and strengthen Bangladesh’s humanitarian response for the Rohingya population.
Resident Coordinator Lewis reiterated the UN’s steadfast support for Bangladesh’s reform and transition process, emphasising the organisation’s commitment to helping the country achieve sustainable development and long-term prosperity.
