Dhaka: The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) delegation, led by Resident Representative Stefan Liller, convened a meeting with Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed at his official residence in the Bailey Road area. The meeting aimed to address key issues such as law and order, security, police reform, the formation of an independent police commission, the National Human Rights Commission ordinance, and the Rohingya situation.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed extended his welcome to the UNDP delegation, with Stefan Liller offering congratulations on Ahmed’s new responsibilities. The discussion on police reform was a focal point, with Ahmed emphasizing the need for gradual and phased improvements. He expressed the potential for UNDP support in restructuring the police to enhance its capacity and efficiency.
Stefan Liller assured continued UNDP support in police reform, highlighting the organization’s significant contributions to the establishment and development of the National Human Rights Commission over the past 15-17 years. He mentioned UNDP’s assistance in drafting the ordinance, ensuring the inclusion of international best practices.
The Home Minister linked the Human Rights Commission Ordinance to the formation of an independent police commission, stating that it would be presented in Parliament as a bill after necessary reviews. He also addressed the ordinance on preventing and remedying enforced disappearances, noting challenges with definitions that may complicate identifying perpetrators.
In response to inquiries about the Armed Police Battalion (APBn) in Rohingya camps, the Home Minister clarified that only designated investigating officers have investigative powers, emphasizing that APBn is not an investigative agency. He reassured that security in the Rohingya camps would be bolstered.
The meeting was attended by notable figures, including Rebeka Khan, Joint Secretary of the Political-1 Branch of the Ministry of Home Affairs, UNDP Deputy Resident Representative Sonali Dayaratne, Assistant Resident Representative Anowarul Haq, and Rule of Law, Justice and Security Advisor Romana Schweiger.