Online Desk: Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen has reiterated the government’s strong commitment to hold a free and fair election. He also underscored Bangladesh’s continued cooperation with the UN and the international community on human rights issues, including the recent visits of a number of UN Special Procedure mandate holders to Bangladesh, reports UNB.

UN Resident Coordinator (UNRC) in Bangladesh Gwyn Lewis met Foreign Minister Momen at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Monday and discussed the ongoing democratic process in Bangladesh including the next National Election. They also discussed major upcoming events in the UN, including the SDG Summit.

The UNRC informed that the UN is looking forward to extending further support to Bangladesh in realizing the SDGs, especially in some priority areas to be determined by Bangladesh. During the meeting, discussion was held, among others, on the Rohingya situation.

The Foreign Minister called upon the UN, specially the UNHCR, to assist Bangladesh in the ongoing efforts for the repatriation of forcibly displaced Rohingyas. Discussion was also held on possible ways and means to raise funds for humanitarian assistance for Rohingyas as per the Joint Response Plan 2023. Momen also asked for UN’s further engagement in the humanitarian operations at Bhashan Char.

The UNRC informed about the UN Secretary General’s new initiative ensuring early warning for natural disasters, and expressed willingness to work with thd Bangladesh Government in this regard. Gwyn Lewis also discussed the recently concluded LDC5 Summit in Doha, and expressed hope that the cooperation between Bangladesh and the UN on LDC issues would continue.