Mohammad Sharifuzzaman (Special Correspondent): Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed met with UN Resident Coordinator in Bangladesh Carol Flore-Smereczniaik in her office at the Ministry of Home Affairs at the Bangladesh Secretariat today, Saturday, 9 Jyishta, 1433 Bangabhab, May 23, 2026, in a courtesy call.
In this bilateral meeting held in a very cordial and friendly atmosphere, various issues of mutual interest and bilateral importance, including the law and order and security situation in the country, resolution of the Rohingya crisis, increasing participation of Bangladesh Police in UN peacekeeping missions, implementation of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), increasing trade and investment, were discussed in detail.
During the meeting, the Minister highly appreciated the support and cooperation of the United Nations in holding the 13th National Assembly elections in a free, fair, impartial and festive atmosphere. Expressing gratitude for the visible role of the United Nations in various socio-economic and infrastructural developments of Bangladesh, the Minister expressed hope that this cooperation and bilateral partnership will be further deepened, consolidated and accelerated in the near future.
In response, the Resident Coordinator said that the United Nations is working continuously as a partner for the overall development, prosperity and welfare of the people of Bangladesh. He sought the Minister’s valuable opinions and suggestions to identify strategic areas to further expand and make the existing relationship between the United Nations and Bangladesh more effective. At this time, the Minister sought the full and intensive cooperation of the United Nations in the timely implementation of the targets for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of Bangladesh.
The Home Minister mentioned that Bangladesh is internationally recognized as one of the leading countries in the world in sending peacekeepers to UN peacekeeping missions. A large number of Bangladesh Police members, along with the Bangladesh Army, are performing their duties with great dedication and professionalism in various UN peacekeeping missions, which has enhanced the country’s image and prestige in the global arena.
Referring to the Rohingya crisis, the Minister said that the UN has kept the Rohingya issue at the center of the world community’s attention since the beginning, which is highly commendable and promising. He firmly said, “Bangladesh has always believed in peaceful, dignified and sustainable migration. However, the Rohingya crisis has now become a complex and sensitive issue, which is a threat to our national security.” Stating that Bangladesh needs more extensive and strong international support and global funding under the auspices of the UN to address this humanitarian and security crisis, he said that currently, several humanitarian projects are underway for the forcibly displaced citizens of Myanmar through several national and international organizations, but they are insufficient compared to the needs.
UN Resident Coordinator Carol Flor-Smereznik highly appreciated the unwavering generosity and unique solidarity of the Government and people of Bangladesh towards the Rohingya population and said that the international community is closely monitoring this humanitarian example in Bangladesh. She expressed a realistic understanding that it is not possible for Bangladesh to bear the long-term burden of such a large number of refugees alone. She expressed the opinion that more attention, effective pressure and visible support from the international community is needed to stand by Bangladesh in this regard.
Finally, the Minister expressed her firm conviction that Bangladesh is always committed to responding to any call of the United Nations to maintain global peace, security and harmony.
At the beginning of the meeting, the Home Minister warmly welcomed the UN Resident Coordinator to Bangladesh for his duties.
The Resident Coordinator conveyed his sincere congratulations and best wishes to the Home Minister on assuming his new portfolio.
The meeting was attended by Ms. Louise Barber, Head of Office of the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Bangladesh, Dr. Ziauddin Ahmed, Additional Secretary of the Political Division of the Ministry of Home Affairs, Rebecca Khan, Joint Secretary of the Political-1 Division, and Begum Minara Nazmin, Deputy Secretary of the Political-1 Division, among others.
