NAVIGATING TRANSITION: THE UN'S ROLE IN BANGLADESH'S NEW POLITICAL ENVIRONMENT

In the wake of Bangladesh's political transition in mid-2024, the United Nations Country Team (UNCT) rapidly adapted to support emerging national priorities while safeguarding humanitarian and development efforts. Under the leadership of the UN Resident Coordinator, the UNCT ensured a coherent and strategic response, integrating analysis, risk assessment, and targeted interventions.

To navigate the shifting landscape, the UN deployed experts from OCHA and DCO to conduct a programme criticality exercise and a transitional Common Country Analysis, incorporating a multidimensional risk assessment and mitigation strategies. This exercise helped inform prioritized programming to align with the evolving needs of the interim government.

A landmark development came in September 2024, when Bangladesh's interim government invited the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) to conduct an independent fact-finding mission on the unrest between July and August. The visit of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights in October further strengthened engagement, facilitating high-level discussions with government officials, reform commissions, student leaders, and civil society actors.

Between September and January, the UNCT mobilised support for emerging national priorities: 

• Electoral Support: A technical adviser was deployed through UNDP alongside a DPPA-UNDP Needs Assessment Mission to support electoral preparedness.
• Transitional Justice: The UN facilitated an interagency mission, bringing legal and human rights experts together to consult on justice and reconciliation mechanisms.
• Police Reform: Experts from UNDP and OHCHR collaborated to strengthen law enforcement institutions and advance security sector reforms.

Another landmark event was the UN Secretary-General - Antonio Guterres' visit to Bangladesh from March 14th to 15th, 2025, at the invitation from the Government of Bangladesh. He visited Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh, where he met with the Chief Adviser for the interim government, Professor Muhammed Yunus, and engaged with young women and men and representatives from civil society. 

During his visit, UN Secretary-General António Guterres reiterated the UN's strong commitment to supporting the country's ongoing reform and transition processes. He pledged the UN's assistance in promoting peace, national dialogue, trust, and healing, aligning with the UN Country Team's (UNCT) efforts to address Bangladesh's evolving priorities. 

He specifically acknowledged Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus's leadership. He recognised the Bangladeshi people's aspirations for greater democracy, justice, and prosperity, emphasising the UN's dedication to facilitating peace, dialogue, and consensus during this pivotal time.

Furthermore, the Secretary-General assured the interim government of the UN's full support in implementing necessary reforms to establish an inclusive and prosperous democracy. He stressed the importance of incorporating the perspectives of youth, women, and minority communities into the reform process. 

The Secretary-General's engagement highlighted the UN's commitment to supporting Bangladesh's pursuit of a fair, inclusive, and prosperous future, reinforcing the organisation's role as a steadfast partner in the nation's journey towards sustainable development and democratic governance. 

By fostering strategic collaboration and responses, the UNCT has positioned itself as a trusted partner in Bangladesh's transition. As the country moves forward, the UN remains committed to enhancing stability, strengthening institutions, and supporting reforms, ensuring that development efforts align with national priorities.

Please find attached the one-pager on this story below.

THE UNCT'S ABILITY TO ADAPT AND PROVIDE COORDINATED SUPPORT REMAINS CRUCIAL IN BANGLADESH'S PATH TOWARD STABILITY, REFORM AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT