UN will support Yunus-led interim government, says Resident Coordinator Lewis

The UN resident coordinator expressed her hope that Bangladesh will be able to overcome violence and develop economically

The United Nations will continue to support Bangladesh’s development efforts during the tenure of the interim government, according to its Resident Coordinator Gwyn Lewis.

She made the statement during a meeting with BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Friday.

The hour-long meeting was held at the BNP Chairperson’s Office in Gulshan. During the meeting, Lewis was informed about the country’s new interim government, received an overview of the overall and the economic situation.

BNP Standing Committee Member Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury and Organising Secretary Shama Obaid and UN human rights specialist Huma Khan were also in attendance.

After the meeting, Lewis told the media:

“The UN is supporting the interim government led by Dr Muhammad Yunus. As part of this support, we are talking to all stakeholders, such as political parties, civil society representatives, and organisations. Today we spoke with the BNP.”

"We talked about how the United Nations can help build a future Bangladesh, how the United Nations can help investigate the damage surrounding the movement, and help prioritise development. The United Nations will support this new interim government in the development of Bangladesh until the next elections."

Lewis also expressed her hope that Bangladesh will be able to overcome the violence following the resignation of Sheikh Hasina and develop economically.

After the meeting, Amir Khosru said, "Great changes have taken place in Bangladesh today. We have secured independence for the second time. Just as there was public support in Bangladesh, there was solid support from the international community as well. The United Nations, especially, provided great support in restoring the human rights of the people of Bangladesh.”

"There was a concern among Bangladesh's development partners about the future of Bangladesh. Today that apprehension is gone. We will build Bangladesh in the future by overcoming that fear. The UN is a major partner and we need their support. They are willing to give that support and are working with everyone to build a new Bangladesh.”