The Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Bangladesh, Mr. Stefan Liller, paid a courtesy call on the Hon’ble State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Ms. Shama Obaed Islam, MP, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs today on 26 April 2026.
During the meeting, Mr. Liller, who is coming to the end of his tenure, has reaffirmed UNDP’s commitment to working closely with the new government of Bangladesh. While expressing thanks to UNDP for its role in support of the country’s general elections by providing technical assistance, among others, in registering 5.8 million new voters, the Hon’ble State Minister urged UNDP to support the government’s “Bangladesh First” (সবার আগে বাংলাদেশ) vision and expressed the government’s willingness to strengthen cooperation with UNDP to achieve desired socio-economic goals for its people.
The Hon’ble State Minister acknowledged the work carried out by the UNDP over the years working closely with the government in improving governance, trade, commerce and investment, climate action and adaptation, poverty alleviation etc. She emphasized that UNDP should work in integration of technology in Bangladesh especially the ethical use of the AI, help in tackling misinformation and disinformation. She also emphasize that Bangladesh as proponent of SAARC would like to revitalize its activities and especially asked UNDP to spread its young political delegates programme with the SAARC countries and engage women entrepreneurs. The discussion also touched upon continued collaboration with UNDP on issues related to LDC graduation.