UNODC interested in strengthening partnership with Bangladesh

The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) wants to strengthen cooperation with Bangladesh in combating international organised crimes such as drug trafficking, human trafficking, corruption and terrorism.

Newly appointed regional representative Christian Holge expressed this interest on Tuesday, November 9, when presenting his credentials to foreign affairs adviser Md Towhid Hossain in Dhaka.

Holge, on his first visit to Bangladesh, said he wished to work closely with Bangladeshi partners to advance effective initiatives in UNODC priority areas and enhance capacity among relevant officials.

Welcoming him, the foreign affairs adviser stressed the need to expand Bangladesh’s cooperation with UNODC and expressed hope that the proposed cooperation framework will be finalised soon, leading to concrete and positive outcomes. He also emphasised establishing a UNODC country office in Dhaka.

On the Rohingya crisis, the adviser said that the speedy repatriation of Rohingya to Myanmar would help Bangladesh tackle associated challenges, including drug-related and other organised crimes in the region.

Christian Holge also met foreign secretary Asad Alam Siam on the same day.