UN Supports Significant Reforms in Bangladesh Under Interim Government

The United Nations pledges its support to Bangladesh's interim government led by Muhammad Yunus, focusing on police and election reforms. Discussions also covered corruption, floods, and the Rohingya crisis. UN provided USD 4 million for flood rehabilitation and is aiding in post-violence investigations.

The United Nations will support Bangladesh in its reform initiatives, including police and election reforms, undertaken by the interim government, a top official of the world body said on Sunday.

The chief of the UN in Bangladesh, Gwyn Lewis, met Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus and discussed various issues, including reforms, corruption, floods, the Rohingya crisis, and the UN-led investigation into the July-August violence, The Daily Star reported. Lewis expressed her support for the reform initiatives by the interim government and thanked Yunus for his extraordinary role.

Yunus, 84, recently announced the formation of six commissions to reform the judiciary, election system, administration, police, anti-corruption commission, and the constitution. The Nobel laureate took an oath as the head of the interim government on August 8, after Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigned amid widespread protests. Yunus stated his main job was to set an example for everyone.

The chief adviser highlighted police reform as a top priority and committed to integrating a national IT system to reduce corruption. Yunus said the government has formed a commission to ensure free and fair elections.

The UN-led team has started investigating the violence and murders from recent student protests over government job quota reforms. Gwyn Lewis said the UN has provided USD 4 million for flood rehabilitation affecting 18 million people. The chief adviser sought UN help for an early warning flood system in South Asia. Environmental and climate change issues were also discussed.

(With inputs from agencies.)