The newly appointed Regional Representative of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) in South Asia based in New Delhi, Mr. Kristian Hölge, presented his Credentials to Mr. Md. Touhid Hossain, Foreign Adviser at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs today.
After offering his Letter of Credence, Mr. Hölge highlighted UNODC’s ongoing engagements and provided a brief overview of his plans to further strengthen its partnership with Bangladesh in combating drug trafficking, human trafficking, corruption, terrorism and other transnational organized crimes. He expressed hope to work closely with partners in Bangladesh to deliver wider impact, advance key initiatives and provide capacity building of relevant officials on key areas of UNODC’s engagement.
Welcoming the newly appointed Regional Representative on his first visit to Dhaka, the Foreign Adviser emphasized the importance of strengthening cooperation between Bangladesh and UNODC. He expressed hope that the conclusion of the proposed Cooperation Framework between the Government of Bangladesh and UNODC would yield tangible results in future. He also underscored the necessity of establishing a UNODC Country Office in Dhaka to support the expanding nature of its work and collaboration with Bangladesh.
The Foreign Adviser further emphasized that the early repatriation of Rohingyas to Myanmar is crucial for effectively mitigating the challenges faced by Bangladesh related to drugs and other related organized crimes in the region.
Mr. Hölge also met Ambassador Asad Alam Siam, Foreign Secretary, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the same day.