Dhaka,
Aug 16 (UNB) - The United Nations has said they are willing to support the
interim government and people of Bangladesh as required.
"Regarding what you
said about support for Bangladesh, I can certainly confirm that we remain
willing to support the Government and people of Bangladesh as needed,"
said Deputy Spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General Farhan Haq while responding
to a question from Mushfiqul Fazal Ansarey on August 15.
High Commissioner for
Human Rights Volker Turk and Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus discussed a
"comprehensive range of support" of their office could provide to the
interim government and the transition, including on accountability issues.
Farhan said a team will
visit Dhaka from next week to discuss areas of support and the modalities for
an investigation of human rights violations in the context of the recent
violence and unrest.
The high commissioner is
very committed to supporting the interim government and people of Bangladesh in
a successful transition that strengthens the protection of human rights, he
said.
On the other hand, UN
Resident Coordinator in Dhaka Gwyn Lewis met Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid
Hossain at his office on Thursday.
She said they will have
some technical colleagues who will be arriving in Dhaka next week.
"They will do
initial fact-finding but the mandate, details and how the team will work with
the government - all need to be agreed," the UNRC told reporters after the
meeting at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
UN resident coordinator
reaffirmed UN's support towards the interim government in Bangladesh.
The Adviser emphasised
for the UN Country Team to carry on with their work in the diverse areas of
mutual interest.
He underscored the
importance of the UN's constructive support in establishing good governance and
rule of law.
Lewis shared
perspectives on further support for independent investigation, transitional
justice and human rights protection.
They also discussed
economic cooperation, LDC graduation, climate change, and the ongoing UN
humanitarian operations concerning Bangladesh.
The adviser sought UN's
meaningful support in meeting aspirations of the people, especially youth, and
their expectations of the interim government.
END/UNB/MK/F