Dhaka, Aug 09 (V7N) – Gwyn Lewis, the UN Resident Coordinator in Bangladesh, announced on Friday that the United Nations is committed to supporting the interim government led by Professor Muhammad Yunus until national elections are held.
 
In a press briefing following her meeting with a Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) delegation led by Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Lewis emphasized the UN’s pivotal role in the current transition period. “The United Nations has a significant role in backing this interim government as we move toward new national elections,” Lewis stated.
 
She detailed ongoing efforts to engage with various stakeholders, including political parties and civil society organizations, to discuss how the UN can assist Bangladesh during this transition. This includes exploring new investigations into recent events, fostering reconciliation, and advancing the country’s development priorities.
 
“This is a crucial time for consultation and dialogue,” Lewis added. “We urge everyone to maintain calm and work towards peace.”
 
Reflecting on recent events, Lewis described the situation in Bangladesh as extraordinary and stressed the collective responsibility to uphold peace and support economic development. “It’s essential that we all collaborate closely to build a prosperous Bangladesh,” she said.
 
During the meeting with BNP leaders, which also included Standing Committee Member Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury and Organizing Secretary Shama Obed, Khosru remarked on the significant transformation occurring in the country. He likened it to a second wave of independence and highlighted the international community's vital role in this process.
 
Khosru praised the United Nations for its substantial contribution to restoring human rights in Bangladesh and noted that the previous uncertainty among development partners has now been alleviated. “The UN’s support is crucial for addressing and overcoming these uncertainties,” Khosru said. “We appreciate their willingness to assist in shaping Bangladesh’s future.”
 
The discussions at the meeting centered on the shared goal of collaboratively building a new Bangladesh, with both the BNP and the UN committed to supporting this transformative phase.
 
END/SMA/AJ/