The United Nations resident coordinator in Bangladesh, Gwyn Lewis, on Sunday reaffirmed the UN support for the country鈥檚 upcoming Jatiya Sangsad elections.
Speaking to reporters after a meeting with Bangladesh Nationalist Party secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir at Gulshan in the capital, she described the lead-up to the February polls as a critical period.
She also highlighted the UN technical assistance to the Election Commission to ensure that all preparations were in place.
Lewis said that consensus-building among political parties was necessary,聽 expressing optimism that UN cooperative efforts would continue in the coming months.
The coordinator further acknowledged the challenges posed by the Rohingya refugee situation and praised Bangladesh鈥檚 leadership and hospitality in addressing humanitarian needs.
Lewis said that she had been pleased to serve in Bangladesh and affirmed that the UN would continue to stand in solidarity as the country progressed on a positive trajectory.
She noted that Bangladesh had received positive international attention during the UN general assembly in New York, where the Bangladeshi delegation, including representatives from all major political parties, had been warmly received.
Following a meeting, BNP standing committee member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury told reporters that the talks focused on the UN鈥檚 commitment to restoring democratic order in the country.
The talks, he said, also laid emphasis on the need for cooperation among political parties and the importance of holding a simple, credible election in the first half of February, 2026 to meet public expectations.
The meeting also addressed the ongoing Rohingya crisis, including their repatriation and living conditions in Cox鈥檚 Bazar, with the UN reaffirming its support for refugees until their safe return can be secured, he said.
Khasru also acknowledged and praised the UN official contributions during Bangladesh鈥檚 past anti-autocracy movement, recognising their efforts to uphold democracy, human rights, and constitutional values.
He highlighted the courage and dedication of the outgoing UN representative and thanked them for their service in supporting Bangladesh鈥檚 democratic and humanitarian progress.
