United Nations in Bangladesh

The Sustainable Development Goals are a global call to action to end poverty, protect the earth’s environment and climate, and ensure that people everywhere can enjoy peace and prosperity. These are the goals the UN is working on in Bangladesh:

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Speech

03 November 2024

"The efforts over the past 50 years have helped to build Bangladesh, to place it firmly on the multilateral stage, and to move ahead" - Ms. Gwyn Lewis

Thank you for joining us for the launch of the exhibition “A Promise for Future Generations: 50 years of Bangladesh in the United Nations”, held on the occasion of UN Day 2024. It is a great pleasure to welcome you all this evening to the new UN House, which will become Dhaka HQ for 12 UN entities starting this December. The images in this exhibition date back to the early 1970s when the UN first came to the assistance of refugees fleeing the former East Pakistan, all the way through to the momentous events of 2024. With photo contributions from the official UN archive, from UN entities working in Bangladesh, and from the image library of Drik Gallery, we have sought to tell two intertwined stories: the growth of Bangladesh as a UN member state across five decades; and the role that the UN has played to support the people of Bangladesh over the same period. The exhibition includes images of Bangladeshi peacekeepers deployed to UN missions overseas, and a series of moving photos depicting the generosity that Bangladesh has shown to the Rohingya people. You will note that the title of the exhibition is forward looking.More than anything, the partnership between the UN and Bangladesh is an investment for future generations. The official anniversary of Bangladesh joining the UN as a member state fell on 17 September this year, just a few days before the Summit of the Future took place in New York. The outcome documents of the Summit, including the Pact for the Future and the annex “Declaration for Future Generations”, chart a revived multilateral course. In looking towards our next decade of partnership, the UN and Bangladesh together have a duty to today’s young people and children to continue to work towards achieving the vision of the Summit. We just farewelled the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, who visited Bangladesh this week. In his remarks to students at Dhaka University on Tuesday, he said it is young people who have led the way to the “historic opportunity” that Bangladesh now has before it. The High Commissioner said that it is young people who give him hope for the future. In preparing these remarks tonight, I wanted to share some thoughts from the young UN staff in my own office. When asked to reflect on their experiences working for the UN in Bangladesh, they speak of pride in being part of an organization dedicated to the progress and empowerment of the Bangladeshi people, particularly women and children. They describe the UN-Bangladesh partnership as a source of hope and energy, driving progress towards a prosperous and equitable Bangladesh. They speak of the privilege of engaging deeply with this country's development coordination landscape. We are proud to mark this UN Day in solidarity with the men and women, young people, girls and boys of Bangladesh. The efforts over the past 50 years have helped to build this country, to place it firmly on the multilateral stage, and to move ahead in leaps and bounds towards the Sustainable Development Goals. And it is to the youth of Bangladesh that we would like to dedicate this exhibition because it is their vision that we are duty bound to take forward. I would like to thank the colleagues from across the UN agencies who have worked to pull together this wonderful display under the stewardship of Dr. Shahidul Alam and the dedicated team at Drik Gallery. Thank you to the Additional Secretary for being here as our Chief Guest and to all of you for joining us. Congratulations to the Interim Government on the 50th anniversary of Bangladesh in the United Nations, and happy UN Day to all!

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Press Release

05 November 2024

Establishing a quality care system in Bangladesh is a cornerstone for gender equality and social justice

Salma*, a young garment worker moved to Dhaka from Comilla along with her partner four years ago and they have an eight-month-old son now. They both found work in the same factory. The factory provided maternity leave and benefits during the birth of their child, and Salma returned to work after two months leave. She initially put her son in the daycare facility in the factory. With two breastfeeding breaks during work, Salma was able to ensure her child was exclusively breastfed for six months. While the daycare facility was free of charge, commuting with a young child was challenging. She recently opted for home-based childcare in her neighbourhood, leaving her son in the care of a woman until they return home from work. This service alone costs them BDT 4,000 per month, a significant portion of the family’s expenses given their combined monthly household income is BDT 35,000.Shafiq* is a sales manager in a pharmaceutical company, and lives in Dhaka with his family, including his aged mother who needs support with her daily activities. Although his wife, Shefa*, is an accounting graduate from the University of Dhaka, both Shafiq and Shefa decided that Shefa would leave her bank job to take care of Shafiq’s mother. Shefa hopes to return to her job someday. However, taking care of Shafiq’s mother remains a priority for the family at present.Rahmat* and Rehana* migrated from Mymensingh in search of work, and now live in Dhaka with their three daughters aged eight, six and two years. Rehana is a domestic worker, while Rahmat is a rickshaw puller. Rehana’s eldest daughter is yet to start school, as she must look after her two younger siblings, while her parents work. While Rahmat and Rehana would like to send their daughters to school someday soon, they are currently unable to find an arrangement to look after the youngest, so all three girls stay home. These are some stories of working Bangladeshi families highlighting challenges related to the absence of a comprehensive care system. With the changes in the nature of work, migration, inflation and climate change, the care arrangements of the past that heavily rely on families are no longer appropriate for today’s world of work. While Bangladesh continues to promote women’s economic participation, traditional approaches to care hinging on women as the primary caregivers in families remain prevalent. This limits women’s opportunities to get an education and skills required to establish their own businesses or enter and remain in workforce and contribute to the national economy. The country’s women’s participation rate in the labour force is low at 21.25 per cent.While new care solutions are being introduced by communities and entrepreneurs, their cost render them inaccessible to most families. The current care system needs to be reformed to ensure better supply, assured quality, accessibility and affordability for all. The government provides some child, elderly and disability care services but their reach is limited . For example, the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs is currently running some 63 public funded childcare centres across the country. Further, the Bangladesh Labour Act 2006 makes legal provisions for employers to ensure workplaces have childcare facilities, either on-site or off-site. A comprehensive care system would bring together people, institutions, and resources, both public and private, to deliver childcare, elderly care, healthcare, employment injury and rehabilitation support, and assistance for persons with disabilities and special needs. The International Labour Organisation (ILO) Workers with Family Responsibilities Convention, 1981 (No 156) recognises the role of state, employers and workers organisations in providing care services to improve the quality of life of the workers, including their choice of productive work and employment. It highlights the importance of meaningful engagement of workers and their communities when planning and creating care-related solutions to ensure that they are efficient, accessible and truly cater to users’ needs. Professionalization of care work is essential for providing quality services. Currently, most care occupations and workers are not recognised in law as workers. This maintains informality, produces poor working conditions and provides limited opportunities for skills development and career advancement. Standardisation of care work and organising the care workforce to ensure that their voices are heard and incorporated when designing decent and dignified working conditions in care occupations is needed. Going forwards, the government, the private sector and workers need to establish together a roadmap for change so that the current care burden on women can be reduced through development of a care system that can serve the needs for a growing economy and social protection for all in Bangladesh. * Not their real namesThis Op-Ed was first published in The Daily Star on the International Day of Care and Support.

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Press Release

30 August 2024

Seven years since the Rohingya refugee influx in Bangladesh, UNHCR reminds need for international solidarity

As we mark seven years since the large-scale Rohingya refugee arrival, UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, once again calls for sustained commitment from international partners to support the protection of nearly one million Rohingya hosted by Bangladesh, and to help secure solutions for a lasting end to their plight. On 25 August 2017, some 700,000 Rohingya men, women and children were forced to flee Myanmar and seek protection in Bangladesh, joining those who had fled in previous years. The generosity by the Government and the people of Bangladesh in providing the Rohingya temporary refuge was supported by the international community and has been critical in meeting the refugees’ protection and basic needs, alongside assistance provided to local hosting communities. But in recent months security issues and funding uncertainties undermine all but the most critical and lifesaving assistance. In Myanmar’s Rakhine state, the escalated conflict has only worsened conditions for the Rohingya. Many remain stateless with limited access to higher education and jobs, and vulnerable to violence. Yet refugees in Bangladesh continue to say that they long to return to their homes and villages when it is safe to do so. A dignified and sustainable return to Myanmar remains the primary solution to this crisis. We call on the international community to demonstrate the political will to make this possible.We also call on the Bangladesh authorities to ensure that civilians fleeing the violence in Myanmar be allowed access to protection in Bangladesh.Like all of us, the Rohingya aspire for better futures, not determined by religion, race, or the socio-economic conditions of their birth. In Cox’s Bazar and on Bhasan Char, 52 per cent of the refugee population are under 18 years old, many of them born in asylum or having spent their first years in refugee camps. With meaningful support and opportunities, they are capable of immense achievement. We must invest in Rohingya children, youth, women and girls, empowering them to lift their own communities. Through partnership and collective action, we can counter the harmful impacts of generations of violence and deprivation, including the harm caused by exploitative organized groups who prey on vulnerable youth in the camps.Already, thousands of Rohingya have taken positively to trainings and responsibilities to support critical services in the camps, including legal counseling, mental health, community health work, operation and maintenance of water and sanitation infrastructure, shelter repair, as well as serving as first responders to weather and fire incidents. Enhancing resilience through skills, education and livelihoods programmes is critical to helping the refugees to stand on their own feet and move beyond aid dependency. UNHCR calls on stakeholders to continue their support for refugees’ self-reliance.In 2024, humanitarian agencies have appealed for $852 million to assist 1.35 million people, including Rohingya refugees and hosting Bangladeshi communities. We urge donors and private actors to step up their funding to the Rohingya response. The Rohingya people deserve our best, as do the generous people of Bangladesh who cannot be left to shoulder this crisis alone.FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT: Shari Yasmin Nijman; nijman@unhcr.org

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Press Release

13 September 2024

IFAD’s new Country Director for Bangladesh reassures continuous support in transforming rural economy

The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) remains deeply committed to improving the lives and livelihoods of rural communities by boosting agricultural productivity, increasing rural incomes, and empowering smallholders and farmers, women, and youth, said Dr Valantine Achancho, IFAD's newly appointed Country Director for Bangladesh.“Bangladesh has incredible potential for agriculture and transforming rural communities. I am excited to collaborate with the government, our partners, and local communities to strengthen agricultural systems and improve lives nationwide. By working together, we can create sustainable growth and give smallholder farmers the support they need to overcome challenges and thrive,” said Achancho while presenting his credentials to Md Touhid Hossain, Adviser to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Government of Bangladesh on Wednesday.Before coming to Bangladesh, Achancho served as IFAD Country Director and Representative for the Democratic Republic of Congo and the Republic of Congo from 2020 to 2024 and has previously held the same position for Niger, Burkina Faso, and Chad. He also served as IFAD Country Programme Officer for Cameroon and Gabon, and Programme Officer for the Indian Ocean region, contributing to rural development projects in the Sahel and Congo basin, mobilising co-financing, and strengthening partnerships with governments, donors, and civil society to improve rural livelihoods.In his new role as Country Director for Bangladesh, Achancho will be advocating for and enhancing national government programmes that strengthen climate resilience in vulnerable rural communities through infrastructure and climate-smart agriculture, while enhancing access to finance, technology, and markets for smallholders and marginalized groups to diversify the economy and create rural jobs.“I am dedicated to collaborating with our partners to empower rural communities, enabling them to adapt to climate change, tackle economic challenges, and build sustainable livelihoods for long-term resilience,” says Achancho.Before joining IFAD in 2011, Achancho was deputy director of farmers’ professional organizations and cooperative movement, and senior engineer in charge of prospective analysis and agricultural policies in the Ministry of Agriculture in Cameroon. His earlier positions include national coordinator for Agence Française de Développement (AFD) funded project, visiting lecturer at the Faculty of Agronomy of the University of Dschang in Cameroon, and consultant for IFAD, the Word Bank and European Union operations. He holds a PhD in Sociology for Development from the Paris Institute of Technology for Life, Food and Environmental Sciences.Since 1978, IFAD has supported the Government of Bangladesh in its ambitious rural development goals. Over the past 45 years, IFAD has supported 37 projects, mobilizing USD 3.9 billion in financing, to improve the lives and livelihoods of more than 11 million families.Today, IFAD’s programme in Bangladesh is one of its largest. Currently, IFAD has an investment of USD 519 million in Bangladesh, distributed across six ongoing projects implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture, the Local Government Engineering Department, the Palli Karma-Sahayak Foundation, and the Bangladesh Water Development Board. Media Contact: Farhana Urmee, f.urmee@IFAD.org

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Press Release

30 August 2024

Two million children at risk as worst floods in three decades lash through eastern Bangladesh

DHAKA, 30 August 2024 – Over two million children in eastern Bangladesh are at risk as floods sweep through homes, schools and villages, UNICEF has warned. In all, these floods, the worst in eastern Bangladesh in 34 years, have affected 5.6 million people.Major rivers in the southeast are overflowing due to unprecedented monsoon rains. As a result, more than 52 people have been reported dead. Over 500,000 people are seeking shelter, after rising waters from swollen rivers submerged homes, streets and fields in Chattogram and Sylhet Divisions. Millions of children and families are stranded without food and emergency relief supplies. Government personnel and volunteers are conducting rescue operations, though access remains difficult in some areas. In the coming days, more people will be affected as the monsoon season continues.“The devastating floods in the eastern parts of Bangladesh are a tragic reminder of the relentless impact of extreme weather events and the climate crisis on children. Far too many children have lost loved ones, their homes, schools, and now are completely destitute,” said Emma Brigham, Deputy Representative of UNICEF Bangladesh. “UNICEF is on the frontlines providing water purification tablets, oral rehydration salts and other essential supplies, but more funds are needed to reach these children and prevent an even more devastating impact on their futures.”UNICEF has been on the ground since the onset of the disaster. Having joined an initial assessment mission with the Advisor to the Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives, Hasan Arif, UNICEF with its partners has reached over 338,000 people, including 130,000 children, with life-saving supplies such as 3.6 million water purification tablets, 25,000 jerry-cans to store water and over 250,000 oral rehydration salt sachets.But much more is needed. People and children urgently require cash assistance, safe drinking water, hygiene kits, emergency latrines, sanitary pads, oral rehydration salts and emergency life-saving medicines. Primary healthcare services to treat sick newborns and children and help pregnant women to give birth must be restored immediately.The recent floods come close on the heels of the floods in north Bangladesh and Cyclone Remal in May. Jointly, the three emergencies have impacted over 13 million people across Bangladesh, including 5 million children.In response to these three emergencies, UNICEF urgently requires up to US$35.3 million for critical, life-saving, and multi-sectoral interventions for children, as well as pregnant and lactating women.Climate change increases the frequency, severity and unpredictability of cyclones, floods and other extreme weather events affecting Bangladesh, underscoring that the climate crisis is fundamentally a child rights crisis. According to the UNICEF Children’s Climate Risk Index, children in Bangladesh are the most exposed in the world to climate and environmental hazards.Globally, UNICEF addresses the climate crisis to:a) protect the lives, health and well-being of children;b) empower every child to become a champion for the environment; andc) reduce the emissions and environmental footprint.“Year on year, the lives of millions of children in Bangladesh are being ravaged by floods, heatwaves and cyclones. Climate change is clearly changing children’s lives,” adds Brigham. “We call on global leaders to act urgently, and take strong measures to mitigate the effects of climate change, before it is too late for children.” For more information, please contact: Faria Selim; Communication Specialist, UNICEF Bangladesh; fselim@unicef.org

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Story

01 March 2026

“I want to show that girls can achieve big things”

Narail, Bangladesh — As the late-afternoon sun glints through tree branches, 15-year-old Rani Biswas swings her arm sharply and sends the volleyball across the net. Her teammates clap and quickly shift to position themselves for the next serve.Just two years ago, Rani never imagined herself on a volleyball court, let alone wearing a jersey and playing at the sub-district level in front of a crowd. Raised by her mother after her father left when she was in grade 3, Rani grew up shy and introverted. Her mother, Suchitra (50), worked long hours as an agricultural labourer but always made sure Rani went to school.Then one afternoon, there was a knock on the door. Shiuly Morsheda (50), a community mobilizer, had come to invite girls in the neighbourhood to join sports training as part of the Sports for Development (S4D) programme. Seeing this as an opportunity for her daughter to grow in confidence, Suchitra encouraged Rani to join the training. Among the five options (football, kabaddi, volleyball, cricket, and self-defense) offered in Narail, Rani chose volleyball.Today, Rani competes at the sub-district level. “She has grown from a quiet, introverted girl into a confident and brave volleyball player who is determined to play at the national level one day,” says Shiuly.We recently sat down with Rani, her mother Suchitra, and community mobilizer Shiuly to hear how sports, dedication, and a mother’s unconditional support are shaping Rani’s journey towards a brighter future.

Q: Rani, tell us how you started playing volleyball.Rani: I started after Shiuly apu came to our home. She explained to my mother how sports can help girls like me. Not just in playing but also in gaining confidence, teamwork, and discipline. My mother was happy to let me join. Of all the games, I wanted to learn volleyball. At first, I was shy, but now the stadium feels like my second home. Q: Apart from sports, what else have you learned from the S4D programme?Rani: We have learned a lot of things. Shiuly apa teaches us about the harms of child marriage and gender-based violence, the importance of education, and about good touch and bad touch. We attended 16 sessions like this in two months. Before, I used to stay quiet but now I speak up when I see someone teasing girls on the street.Q: We heard that you are playing at sub-district level now. Congratulations! How did that happen?Rani: Thank you! Our coach supported me. I also go to practice regularly. My school also encourages and supports me to attend volleyball training after school. I never thought I would be representing my sub-district Narail Sadar, but here I am.Q: Who inspires you as a player?Rani: I really like Ritu Porna Chakma from the Bangladesh National Women’s Football team. I also like Lionel Messi. Both of them inspire me to dream.Q: What is your dream for the future?Rani: I want to wear Bangladesh’s national jersey to represent the national women’s volleyball team one day. I want to show that girls can achieve big things.Q: Suchitra, as Rani’s mother, what was it like watching her take this path?Suchitra: Initially, I was worried about how society would react. But I know this is the right path for my daughter. I got married off early and never went to school. I don’t want that life for Rani. I want her to have the opportunities I never had. Every time she comes home smiling and says, “Ammu, I played well today,” I feel very proud. When she is happy, I am happy too.Q: What is your dream for Rani?Suchitra: That she continues to study and play. She says she wants to stand on her own feet. I will always support her. If she gets a good job one day, it would be wonderful. Q: Shiuly, you are the community mobilizer here. How challenging is your job?Shiuly: Usually, parents are supportive. But many families still think sports are only for boys. I go door-to-door, talk to parents, and explain how the programme will help their children grow confident and self-reliant, and contribute positively to society.Sometimes mothers secretly send their daughters for practice. When the fathers find out, they stop them. That’s when I step in, hold sessions with the fathers, and help them understand how the programme supports girls’ education and their mental health. I also inform them that the girls get certificates of participation, which will help them when pursuing higher studies. Eventually they realise how it benefits their children and agree with the idea. When they see their girls performing well, parents usually change their minds.Q: What else does the programme cover beyond sports?Shiuly: The boys and girls enrolled under the programme attend monthly group discussions on harmful social norms like child marriage, child abuse, child labour, and domestic violence. We also hold sessions on good parenting with their parents. In one of the sessions, a mother admitted that she often beat her daughter. That day, I asked her to promise to stop. Two months later, her daughter told me her mother had kept that promise.Q: Do you have any message for UNICEF?Shiuly: I am thankful to UNICEF for letting me be a part of this initiative. For supporting me to create this safe space for girls. When the girls come to me and say “apu, ami tumake bhalo basi,” (sister, we love you) it means the world to me. It makes me feel like I am actually doing something good for these marginalised children, especially the adolescent girls! The Sports for Development programme, launched by UNICEF with the Ministry of Youth and Sports in 2022, is slowly but surely bringing about social change. It is helping girls and boys challenge harmful social norms that hold them back. They can also choose to receive training in some of these categories: football, volleyball, kabaddi, SwimSafe, badminton, self-defense, cricket, skateboarding, surfing, and local games. By December 2024, S4D had already reached over 13 million people, including children, adolescents, parents, and community members, across 38 locations (26 districts and 12 city corporations) in Bangladesh. Thanks to generous support from King Salman Humanitarian Aid & Relief Centre, Saudi Arabia, dreams are becoming reality in communities where they were once unimaginable.

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Story

01 March 2026

A Father’s Story of Farid, Feni and Floods

Ali Ashraf, as told to Stuti Sharma18 December 2025“Farid loves being photographed. Once, when we went to the market, he insisted we stop for a photo. He wanted to look like Bapparaj [the actor]. So, we got his hair cut in VIP style. We found a small studio and the photo came out just beautiful as he had imagined. We got it printed and brought it home.”Every morning, my day begins with my son Farid. He is 18 years old. I start my morning by helping him out of bed, freshening him up, changing his clothes, and feeding him breakfast. My son is a person with disability. He cannot walk, sit, or eat by himself. He loves having tea and biscuits, and music even more.Farid enjoys going to the market. He is fond of the noise, the colours and the people...it makes him very happy. But I am already sixty-eight years old, and I cannot carry him everywhere anymore. It’s not easy. His wheelchair broke long ago as the muddy roads and potholes in our area are not made for wheels.I cannot leave the house for work or errands as I need to make sure he is safe, away from water and fire. Once, when I was not home, he fell from the bed and broke his arm. Since then, I have always been alert. So, most days, he sits on the bed listening to songs stored in a memory card in an old device we have. If I am away for too long, he starts looking for me. The truth is that I cannot imagine a day without him either. Farid has always loved being around people, which is why I enrolled him in school. Every morning, I used to carry him there by myself. He couldn’t hold a pen properly, but he tried. Using the toilet was hard for him because he always needed someone’s help. After a while, the teachers told me that it would be better to teach him at home. But how could I? Neither I have the education nor the means to teach him myself. Eventually, he had to drop out and it broke his heart. He loved going to school. My son has faced more hardship in his eighteen years of life than many do in a lifetime. Last year (2024), there was a massive flood in Feni. It was so bad that the floodwater rose higher and higher until it reached three feet inside our home. We had to flee in order to survive. I lifted Farid in my arms and waded through the knee-deep water to reach the shelter. But living in the shelter was challenging. Each time he had to use the toilet, I had to carry him all the way down from the fifth floor and back up again.We stayed there for three or four days until the water finally began to recede. When we returned, we saw that everything was ruined. The rice we stored was spoiled. Our beds were soaked with dirty floodwater. The toilet was no longer usable. Later, we received some help. UNICEF and the people who work with them built a new toilet for us. The toilet is easier for my son to use. They also made a concrete path leading to it and gave him a pair of knee guards to move around without hurting his knees. Now, after I help him out of the house, he can crawl along the path on his own and reach the toilet independently. I just have to help him get seated. In our community, we now have a solar-powered deep tube well with an elevated tank and several water taps. We’ve formed a committee to look after it, so it will run well for years to come. Since it’s powered by the sun, the running cost is very low, and everyone contributes a little to keep it going. Today, everyone can collect clean water just a few steps away from their home. It has made our lives easier, and the reputation of our neighbourhood has also improved. I know you have spent millions of takas on this work, and for that we are very grateful.I love my son Farid with all my heart. He loves me just as dearly. The future, I leave it in Allah’s hands. I have no job, money or wealth of any kind, but so far, we are getting by with my older sons’ support. So whatever Allah has given us, I accept with gratitude. About the UNICEF programmeWhen devastating floods struck southeastern Bangladesh in 2024, floodwaters swallowed homes, schools, and playgrounds, leaving entire villages under water. Children and families were forced to flee with what little they could carry, seeking shelter on higher ground.With generous support from the European Union (EU), and in partnership with the Department of Public Health Engineering (DPHE), under the Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development & co-operatives, UNICEF helped bring clean water and sanitation closer to families impacted by the floods.Across Comilla, Noakhali, and Feni, over 12,500 people, including nearly 5,000 children, now benefit from solar-powered water supply networks, climate-resilient latrines, and deep tubewells fitted with submersible pumps, handpumps, and raised platforms.To further strengthen resilience, a few additional features have been added to the network, including a lightning arrester at the elevated tank structures to protect the village from lightning strikes and a solar-powered battery with charging ports. During disasters, community members can use these to charge their mobile phones and torchlights, helping them stay connected and safe.For Farid, the project has meant more than just infrastructure. The new accessible toilet designed with handrails and a foldable commode has made his life safer and more comfortable. Today, he is protected from germs, unhygienic conditions, and diseases. With a little help from his father, he can use the toilet safely, and with dignity.

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01 March 2026

Bangladesh: Strengthening accountable and rights-based policing for a peaceful electoral process

As Bangladesh prepares for its General Election scheduled for early February 2026, the country is navigating a critical phase of political transition. The role of law enforcement during such periods goes beyond maintaining public law and order to also safeguard democratic space, enable peaceful political participation, and ensure elections are conducted in an environment free from fear, coercion, or violence.Supported by UNDP, UNODC, in partnership with the Ministry of Home Affairs and Bangladesh Police Headquarters, has initiated a nationwide capacity-building programme beginning in the last quarter of 2025 and continuing into early 2026. The initiative is aimed at enhancing the institutional preparedness of Bangladesh Police by strengthening the leadership and operational capacity of command-level officers.Over 610 police officers across the country will be trained through operational modalities tailored to election-related policing. The programme places particular emphasis on Superintendents of Police and Officers-in-Charge, whose leadership roles are critical in operational planning, inter-agency coordination, and oversight at national, divisional, district, and local levels. Ahead of the rollout of field-level trainings, a high-level national dialogue brought together 120 participants, including senior policy-makers, law enforcement leadership, UN agencies, and development partners. The dialogue provided a platform to share national and international best practices and generate actionable recommendations to take the initiative forward.The dialogue was attended by Mr. Khuda Baksh Chowdhury, Honourable Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser, Ministry of Home Affairs, Mr. Baharul Alam, Honourable Inspector General of Police, Bangladesh Police, Mr. Kristian Hölge, Representative of UNODC Regional Office for South Asia; Mr. Stefan Liller, Resident Representative of UNDP Bangladesh; and Mr. M. Jashim Uddin Khan, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs. Discussions focused on strengthening coordination among stakeholders, facilitating peaceful assemblies, preventing unlawful use of force, and reinforcing accountability during election-related operations.Building on this, initial training sessions held in Dhaka and Rajshahi brought together 60 senior officers from police ranges and metropolitan units across Dhaka, Mymensingh, Rajshahi, Rangpur, and Khulna. Participants engaged in structured discussions on command responsibility, crowd management, accountability mechanisms, and inclusive policing approaches during electoral periods. The exchange of operational experiences allowed officers to reflect on challenges faced during past elections and identify practical measures to strengthen preparedness. For participating officials, the trainings provided clarity on leadership expectations during elections and reinforced the importance of proportionality, restraint, and transparency in policing. Officers noted that scenario-based discussions and peer learning helped sharpen decision-making and reinforced confidence in managing complex electoral environments.Recent dialogues with key stakeholders in the country have underscored the importance of strengthening police professionalism, accountability, and operational readiness ahead of the polls. Through this initiative, UNODC is supporting Bangladesh Police to foster an accountable and inclusive policing environment, and enabling law enforcement officials to be well-equipped to manage assemblies, prevent excessive or unlawful use of force, and uphold human rights standards during election-related operations.

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01 March 2026

UNESCO Launches Cultural Exhibition Showcasing National Action Plan to Safeguard Bangladesh’s Heritage and Creative Industries

The exhibition at the UN House in Dhaka introduces a national action plan and highlights efforts to safeguard Bangladesh’s cultural heritage and creative industries, with support from UNESCO’s Heritage Emergency Fund.UNESCO Dhaka has launched a cultural exhibition marking the introduction of a National Action Plan to strengthen the protection, recovery, and long-term resilience of Bangladesh’s cultural heritage and creative industries. Held on Wednesday, 17 December 2025, at the United Nations House in Gulshan, the exhibition brings together documentation, research findings, and community narratives. It highlights Bangladesh’s rich cultural diversity while showcasing UNESCO’s efforts to support preparedness, recovery, and resilience in the culture sector during times of crisis and disruption. The initiative was implemented with support from UNESCO’s Heritage Emergency Fund (HEF). Speaking at the opening, Susan Vize, Head of Office and UNESCO Representative to Bangladesh, emphasized the critical role of culture in social cohesion and recovery. “Cultural heritage and creative communities are central to Bangladesh’s identity and resilience,” she said. “This initiative reflects UNESCO’s commitment to supporting systems, knowledge, and partnerships that help safeguard culture and strengthen preparedness for future challenges.” The exhibition was also graced by Mr. Federico Zamparelli, Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy of Italy in Dhaka. He said, “Many traditional art forms and crafts are increasingly at risk as artists and artisans struggle to sustain their livelihoods. Safeguarding cultural heritage therefore also means caring for the people behind these traditions and ensuring they receive the support needed to continue their work.” Through the HEF, an evidence-based understanding was developed of how tangible heritage, intangible cultural heritage, and creative and cultural industries can be better safeguarded and protected during emergencies, crises, and other disruptive situations. The project included rapid assessments across these three areas, documentation of heritage and creative practices, national consultations with key stakeholders, and a public awareness campaign highlighting the importance of safeguarding cultural heritage. Kizzy Tahnin, Head of Culture at UNESCO Dhaka, noted that the Action Plan builds directly on assessment findings and stakeholder consultations. “This Action Plan is grounded in the realities faced by cultural institutions, practitioners, and communities,” she said. “It outlines practical measures for immediate recovery while also strengthening preparedness and coordination to protect heritage and creative industries in the long term.” Special guest Jaya Ahsan, actor and producer, underscored the importance of safeguarding cultural spaces and creative expression. “Heritage and creativity are not abstract ideas; they shape people’s lives, livelihoods, and sense of belonging. Protecting them is essential for any society moving forward after a period of disruption,” she said. The exhibition also presented the Traditional Saree Weaving Art of Tangail, newly inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. It further featured UNESCO’s photographic documentation of heritage and creative industries, a dedicated section on Old Dhaka’s cultural heritage through video storytelling and displays highlighting Bangladesh’s internationally recognised heritage elements and community heritage stories. Distinguished professionals, cultural practitioners, and relevant stakeholders participated in the exhibition. This activity was supported by the UNESCO Heritage Emergency Fund. We wish to thank its donors: the Principality of Andorra, Canada, the Republic of Estonia, the French Republic, the Republic of Lithuania, the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, the Principality of Monaco, the Kingdom of the Netherlands, the Kingdom of Norway, the Republic of Poland, the Qatar Fund for Development, the Republic of Serbia, the Slovak Republic, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and ANA Holdings INC.

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27 February 2026

Dhaka Tribune Breaks Barriers: How a UNESCO Initiative Sparked Institutional Inclusion in Bangladesh’s Newsrooms

A UNESCO initiative leads Dhaka Tribune to integrate persons with disabilities into its newsroom, shifting reporting practices and demonstrating how inclusive hiring can reshape Bangladesh’s media landscape.In Bangladesh, persons with disabilities remain largely absent from the country’s media landscape; not only in news coverage but also inside newsrooms. Despite representing a significant share of the population, they are often portrayed through a charity-driven lens, while their voices, perspectives and professional contributions seldom shape editorial decisions.In 2024, UNESCO translated the Practical Manual on Disability Equality in the Media into Bangla and conducted awareness sessions with journalists, editors and media professionals across Dhaka. The sessions encouraged newsrooms to adopt a rights-based approach, to challenge internal biases, and to recognize how inclusive hiring practices could reshape both reporting and public understanding. What began as a conversation soon turned into a structural shift inside one of the country’s leading English newspapers.A turning point for institutional inclusionFollowing the awareness sessions, the Dhaka Tribune became the first media outlet in Bangladesh to recruit persons with disabilities as newsroom staff marking a significant institutional step for the sector. Editor Reaz Ahmad recalls how the decision went beyond symbolic hiring.“The assumptions we carry about persons with disabilities that they may not be able to perform like others, those are mental barriers, not real ones. These two young professionals have proven that disability does not limit skills,” he explains. “And initiatives like this are only possible because partners such as Sightsavers Bangladesh provided crucial support to this Dhaka Tribune initiative.”Among nearly 200 staff members, the two new recruits quickly became part of the newsroom workflow; editing stories, covering field events, reporting on disability rights, and pitching story ideas that expanded the paper’s editorial horizon. Their presence challenged stereotypes, reshaped colleagues’ perceptions, and increased the volume and depth of disability-related reporting. This transformation, Ahmad notes, was not the result of a single training but of an institutional mindset shift catalyzed by UNESCO’s approach.“The inclusion principles influenced us the most. When inclusivity becomes a priority, accessibility naturally follows,” he said. “We know we have limitations, but we are thinking about how to make things easier so they can give their best.”Inclusive hiring in practice, not theoryFor Kabery Sultana, a trainee sub-editor with mobility impairment, entering the media was once an unimaginable goal. Campus life had been full of structural barriers, from non-accessible buses to classrooms unprepared for students with disabilities. Despite participating in extra-curricular activities, student politics, and voluntary work, she often felt institutions were not designed with people like her in mind.Her experience at the Dhaka Tribune was different.“I’ve faced sensitization issues in other workplaces,” she said. “But not here. No one made me feel uncomfortable. I work mostly online, but the environment is respectful and supportive.”Kabery sees journalism as an extension of her disability advocacy. Editing daily news has helped her understand how narratives are shaped and how representation can shift attitudes. She has already noticed a change in colleagues’ language, framing, and sensitivity.“My presence helps them understand where support is needed. They think more carefully about how disability is addressed in news.”A new generation of reporters leading changeFor Kowshik Ahmed Sajib, a trainee reporter with low vision, the opportunity was life-changing. Since childhood, he had undergone five eye surgeries, and breaking into the job market after university felt nearly impossible, especially after the passing of his father, the family’s main earner. He discovered the Dhaka Tribune opportunity while working with a local NGO campaign, submitted his CV, and soon became the only income earner for his mother, siblings, wife, and daughter.Now, he covers disability-rights events, roundtables, and dialogues, often bringing insights drawn from lived experience.“I was never confident I could work in media,” he admitted. “Society never made us believe we could do this. But from here, I gained confidence.”His reporting has already shaped newsroom awareness.“We bring our own problems and turn them into stories. Colleagues are learning that one report can influence attitudes and policy.”For both journalists, representation is not symbolic; it is a structural shift in who gets to influence public narratives.A step toward lasting transformationThe Dhaka Tribune’s decision carries national significance. Ahmad acknowledges the responsibility, “If we, as a relatively young newspaper, can do this, anyone can. All it takes is willpower and consciousness.”UNESCO’s manual and awareness sessions did not simply inform journalists; they triggered a newsroom-level policy shift that opened the door for transformative hiring practices. The presence of these two professionals is already shaping editorial culture, expanding disability coverage, and demonstrating to the sector that inclusion is possible and beneficial.What began as a manual and a workshop has evolved into a real institutional change, shifting mindsets, opening doors, and inspiring other media houses to reflect on their own practices.As Kabery put it, “Joining the media is a power shift for us. The more we are in the media, the more we can portray what inclusivity means for people with disabilities.”

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Press Release

05 March 2026

Japan commits $3.2 million to sustain life-saving sexual and reproductive health services for Rohingya refugees and host communities in Bangladesh

The Government of Japan has reaffirmed its strong commitment to the Rohingya humanitarian response by approving JPY 500 million (approximately USD 3.2 million) in funding to the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).The new two-year project will aim at protecting the health and rights of women and adolescents affected by displacement in Cox’s Bazar and Bhasan Char. The funding will enable UNFPA to sustain essential life-saving sexual and reproductive health and rights and gender-based violence services for Rohingya refugees and surrounding host communities.The Rohingya crisis remains one of the world’s protracted humanitarian crises, with Cox’s Bazar hosting over one million refugees alongside vulnerable host communities. Since 2024, a new influx of estimated 150,000 arrivals, over half of them women and girls, has further strained already cramped settlements. Despite these growing needs, the funding environment became increasingly constrained, leaving the 2025-2026 Joint Response Plan for the Rohingya Humanitarian Crisis significantly underfunded.This shortfall has already forced the closure of six government-run health facilities that supported refugees, a 16% reduction in the midwifery workforce and over 50% reduction in the number of GBV case managers. Japan’s timely contribution will provide a vital lifeline, allowing UNFPA to maintain around the clock emergency obstetric care, GBV case management, and mental health support for approximately 180,000 direct beneficiaries.“The Government of Japan’s continued partnership comes at a critical moment for women and girls in the Rohingya response,” said Catherine Breen Kamkong, UNFPA Representative in Bangladesh. “This funding will allow UNFPA to sustain life-saving services that protect the health and dignity of women and adolescents who would otherwise face devastating gaps in care. We are deeply grateful for Japan’s principled and consistent support.”The new phase builds on tangible results from previous Japan-funded initiatives. More than 38,000 women and girls have accessed essential services at UNFPA-supported facilities across Cox’s Bazar and Bhasan Char, helping to sustain critical care. The partnership also successfully expanded survivor-centred GBV services through Women Friendly Spaces and Women-Led Community Centres, reaching thousands of vulnerable women and girls. In Bhasan Char, Japan’s support contributed to the operationalization of the 20-bed hospital, significantly reducing life-threatening referrals and helping maintain exceptionally low maternal mortality rates in the years following its operationalization. Adolescent empowerment initiatives strengthened life skills and gender equality awareness among girls and boys, supporting longer-term prevention of gender-based violence.Since 2017, the Government of Japan has contributed over USD 250 million to the Rohingya humanitarian response to UN agencies and NGOs in Bangladesh, including through UNFPA, making it one of the most consistent and reliable partners in addressing the needs of displaced populations and host communities in Bangladesh.H.E. Mr. Saida Shinichi, Ambassador of Japan to Bangladesh expressed his hope that the support from the Government of Japan would improve the living conditions of both Rohingya refugees and host communities.“Japan remains firmly committed to protecting the most vulnerable, particularly women and adolescents affected by displacement. Through our partnership with UNFPA, we aim to ensure continued access to essential health and protection services, even in the face of growing humanitarian and funding challenges,” said Ambassador Saida Shinichi. UNFPA and the Government of Japan partnership will aim at continuing to inspire international solidarity and sustained investment in the protection, health, and dignity of women and girls affected by the Rohingya crisis. Media inquiriesEmbassy of Japan in BangladeshPublic Relations+8802222260010publicrelations@dc.mofa.go.jpUNFPA BangladeshGulalek Soltanova, Chief of Communication+8801332112579soltanova@unfpa.org

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Press Release

05 March 2026

UNFPA Hosts Open Mic to Amplify Public Voices for Women’s and Girls’ Rights

To mark International Women’s Day, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in Bangladesh organized today an Open Mic event at Shahabuddin Park, inviting members of the public to raise their voices for the rights, justice and empowerment of women and girls across the country.Held under the global theme “Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls,” the event created a public platform for women, girls, men and boys to share their reflections, commitments and aspirations for a more equal Bangladesh.Addressing the gathering, UNFPA Representative in Bangladesh Catherine Breen Kamkong thanked participants for their courage and engagement, emphasizing that meaningful change begins by listening to communities.“Policies and programmes are strongest when they reflect and are guided by real voices and lived experiences,” the UNFPA Representative said. “At UNFPA, we are committed to preventing violence against women and girls, ending child marriage, reducing adolescent pregnancy, ending preventable maternal deaths and ensuring access to sexual and reproductive health and rights. But sustainable progress requires collective action, and that starts with dialogue.”Bangladesh has made significant progress in advancing gender equality. However, challenges remain. Violence against women continues to affect millions, child marriage persists as a reality for almost half of all adolescent girls, mothers still die in pregnancy and birth, and many women and girls still face barriers in exercising full agency over their health and life choices.“Many girls are still discouraged from studying technology and engineering, and too often they face cyberbullying and online harassment. Initiatives like Alapon Helpline help adolescents to have a safe space to openly share their struggles, talk about mental health, and support each other. When young people feel heard, they find strength and hope to move forward,” said Farhana Sadika, a student at the United International University speaking at the Open Mic event about the challenges girls face in her community. The Open Mic event forms part of UNFPA Bangladesh’s broader International Women’s Day campaign, which aims to highlight data, personal stories and community voices to drive action on women’s and girls’ rights.UNFPA reaffirms its commitment to working alongside the Government of Bangladesh, partners and communities to ensure that every woman and girl can live free from violence, make informed decisions about her future, and move beyond survival to thrive and realize her fullest potential.For more information, contact:Gulalek Soltanova, Chief of Communication+8801332112579soltanova@unfpa.org

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Press Release

11 February 2026

United Nations calls for safe, inclusive and meaningful participation of women in elections

As Bangladesh prepares for the 13th National Parliamentary Election on 12 February 2026, the United Nations underscores that safe, inclusive and meaningful participation in public life is a fundamental right. This includes the rights of all women and girls, including women with disabilities, women from minority communities, gender diverse people, and others who may face heightened barriers, discrimination or gender-based violence. Ahead of the election, the United Nations notes concerns raised by women’s groups and civil society organizations on violence and harassment of women candidates and voters, including digital violence. Women in public life, including political leaders, activists, journalists, and human rights defenders, are reporting increased incidents of cyberbullying, deepfakes, coordinated harassment, and image-based abuse, including AI-altered and sexualized content. The United Nations has consistently advocated for women’s meaningful representation and leadership with all stakeholders and is supporting the Bangladesh Election Commission to boost women’s electoral participation and representation. It is essential that all voters, including women, can participate as candidates and voters without intimidation, discrimination, online abuse or fear of reprisals. The United Nations calls on all stakeholders, including political leaders and their parties and supporters, to adopt a zero-tolerance approach to intimidation, harassment, and any other form of violence against women throughout the electoral process. This applies equally to women candidates and voters, whose participation and safety are essential to inclusive democratic processes. We are confident that authorities will continue to take steps to uphold security and the rule of law, and to ensure the safety and rights of every individual. The United Nations remains committed to supporting the authorities to ensure the safety and rights of every individual.

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Press Release

01 January 2026

UN Chief issues New Year’s call to world leaders: “Get serious. Choose planet and people over pain.”

Monday, 29 December 2025, New York — Opening the year with an urgent appeal, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres called on world leaders today to get “priorities straight” and invest in development, not destruction.“As we enter the new year, the world stands at a crossroads. Chaos and uncertainty surround us,” says Guterres in his message for 2026. “People everywhere are asking: Are leaders even listening? Are they ready to act?”Today, the scale of human suffering is staggering - over one-quarter of humanity lives in areas affected by conflict. More than 200 million people globally need humanitarian assistance, and nearly 120 million people have been forcibly displaced, fleeing war, crises, disasters or persecution. “As we turn the page on a turbulent year, one fact speaks louder than words: global military spending has soared to $2.7 trillion, growing by almost 10 per cent.”Yet, as humanitarian crises around the world intensify, global military spending is projected to more than double – from $2.7 trillion in 2024 to an astonishing $6.6 trillion by 2035 - if current trends persist. Data shows that $2.7 trillion is thirteen times the amount of all global development aid combined and is equivalent to the entire Gross Domestic Product of the continent of Africa. “On this New Year, let’s resolve to get our priorities straight. A safer world begins by investing more in fighting poverty and less in fighting wars. Peace must prevail,” urges Guterres.In September 2025, the Secretary-General, as requested by UN Member States in the 2024 Pact for the Future, launched a report that revealed a stark imbalance in global spending. Called The Security We Need: Rebalancing Military Spending for a Sustainable and Peaceful Future, the report examines the difficult trade-offs presented by the increasing global military spending, making a powerful case for investing in peace and in people's futures:· Less than 4% ($93 billion) of $2.7 trillion is needed annually to end world hunger by 2030.· A little over 10% ($285 billion) of $2.7 trillion could fully vaccinate every child.· $5 trillion could fund 12 years of quality education of every child in low- and lower-middle-income countries.· Spending $1 billion on the military creates 11,200 jobs, but the same amount creates 26,700 jobs in education, 17,200 in healthcare or 16,800 in clean energy.· Reinvesting 15% ($387 billion) of the $2.7 trillion is more than enough to cover the annual costs of climate change adaptation in developing countries.· Each dollar spent on the military generates over twice the greenhouse gas emissions of a dollar invested in civilian sectors. “It’s clear the world has the resources to lift lives, heal the planet, and secure a future of peace and justice,” says Guterres. “In 2026, I call on leaders everywhere: Get serious. Choose people and planet over pain.”“This New Year, let’s rise together: For justice. For humanity. For peace.”

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Press Release

19 December 2025

Bangladesh: Türk urges calm after killing of 2024 protest leader

GENEVA (19 December 2025) - UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk said today he was deeply troubled by the killing of Sharif Osman Bin Hadi, a prominent leader of last year’s protests in Bangladesh, who died of his injuries after being shot last week.Türk called for calm and for everyone to refrain from violence.“Retaliation and revenge will only deepen divisions and undermine the rights of all,” he said.“I urge the authorities to conduct a prompt, impartial, thorough, and transparent investigation into the attack that led to Hadi’s death, and to ensure due process and accountability for those responsible.”Several protests erupted at various locations around the country after Hadi’s death was announced on Thursday, six days after he was shot. Some buildings were torched and vandalised, and a number of journalists have reportedly been assaulted.With the parliamentary elections scheduled for February, Türk said it was vital to ensure an environment in which all individuals can participate safely and peacefully in public life, and freely express different views.“I urge the authorities to uphold the rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and security of journalists at this critical time, and prevent further escalation of unrest,” Türk said.The High Commissioner said his Office stands ready to work with the authorities and all stakeholders to support efforts that uphold human rights and prevent further violence. ENDSFor more information and media requests, please contact:In GenevaJeremy Laurence: +41 22 917 9383 / jeremy.laurence@un.orgThameen Al-Kheetan: + 41 22 917 4232 / thameen.alkheetan@un.orgIn NairobiSeif Magango : +254 78834 3897 / seif.magango@un.org WhatsAppX @UNHumanRightsFacebook unitednationshumanrightsInstagram @unitednationshumanrights

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