United Nations resident coordinator Gwyn Lewis met chief adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on Thursday and said that the UN fully supported the February general elections in Bangladesh.
鈥業t [February election] is crucial for the country鈥檚 democratic transition,鈥� Lewis said at the meeting held at the state guest house Jamuna in Dhaka.
They discussed ways the UN could assist in ensuring a 鈥榯ransparent, free, fair and peaceful鈥� electoral process.
A major topic of discussion was the next national election, said chief adviser鈥檚 deputy press secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder.
The resident coordinator reaffirmed the UN鈥檚 ongoing commitment to support the Bangladesh election commission ahead of the election.
During the meeting, Lewis praised the strong cooperation between the UN and the interim government, as they discussed a wide range of topics on Bangladesh鈥檚 development priorities and reform agenda.
They also explored avenues for expanded UN support to advance the government鈥檚 ambitious reform initiatives.
Preparations for the next United Nations General Assembly meeting 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.
Yunus stressed the urgent need for sustained international solidarity and increased support to address the funding shortfall and strengthen Bangladesh鈥檚 humanitarian response for the Rohingya population.
Lewis reiterated the UN鈥檚 steadfast support for Bangladesh鈥檚 reform and transition process, emphasising the organisation鈥檚 commitment to helping the country achieve sustainable development and long-term prosperity.
