UNDP keen to provide full support to country's overall reform process: Home Minister

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has expressed interest in providing necessary support to the government's ongoing reform activities, including constitutional and judicial reforms, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed has said. The government has also sought the agency's assistance in enhancing police capacity, developing Rohingya camps, and combating rumours and disinformation.

The issues were discussed when UNDP Resident Representative Stefan Liller paid a courtesy call on the minister at his office at the Secretariat on Tuesday, August 25. The details of the meeting were later conveyed in a press release signed by Ministry of Home Affairs Public Relations Officer Foysal Hasan.

During the meeting, the UNDP Resident Representative assured cooperation in implementing the government's goals and priorities. Congratulating Salahuddin Ahmed on his appointment as the chairman of the special committee on constitutional amendment, he expressed interest in providing necessary support to the process. Discussions also covered assistance for Rohingya refugees, enhancement of police professional skills, human rights, and the Prevention and Remedy of Enforced Disappearance Act.

Regarding the Rohingya camps, Stefan Liller said UNDP is working to improve the living standards of the people in the camps through environmental protection, including landslide prevention, and various social development activities. In response, the Home Minister said the government wants to ensure proper development and modernisation of existing infrastructure. However, he said the government is not in favour of constructing new infrastructure in the camp area in the broader interest.

The meeting also discussed rumours, disinformation and hate speech spreading through digital platforms. UNDP said it is working with relevant ministries to counter these and is ready to provide technical and institutional support as needed. The Home Minister said the Cyber Security Act has already been passed, and UNDP could provide logistical support for its effective implementation. He also called upon the agency to continue its cooperation in enhancing police skills and capacity.

The National Human Rights Commission Act and the Prevention and Remedy of Enforced Disappearance Act were also discussed at the meeting. The minister said the draft of the 'National Human Rights Commission Act 2026' has received final approval from the cabinet and is expected to be passed in the next parliamentary session.

He also said the draft of the 'Prevention and Remedy of Enforced Disappearance Act 2026' has received in-principle approval from the cabinet. The UNDP Resident Representative also highlighted the need to project a positive image of Bangladesh in the international arena during the meeting.