Bangladesh: UNODC conducts a strategy-setting mission to Bangladesh 

Dhaka, Bangladesh/02 October 2022: UNODC is currently starting a new phase of its engagement with South Asia, including the development of the new Regional Programme and the appointment of the new Regional Representative. The ownership of the national counterparts and stronger partnerships with international actors are required throughout the region, including Bangladesh.

With this in mind, UNODC conducted a strategy-setting mission to Bangladesh to present the developments with regard to the Office’s operations in South Asia, and to support partnership building and opportunities for collaboration in the country. 

The mission was combined with a special focus and actions on countering trafficking in persons and related areas. 

The visit of the UNODC delegation has helped to elevate the visibility of UNODC among the counterparts met and contributed to trust and partnership building. The UNODC delegation briefed all counterparts on the new phase of its engagement with South Asia. The responses demonstrated that UNODC is a valued actor in Bangladesh and receives acknowledgement from various partners.

Meetings have taken place with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, Department of Narcotic Control, the UN Resident Coordinator and other high-level UN officials, as well as Embassies, High Commissions and Delegations of key partners in Dhaka. 

The partners were briefed about existing initiatives in the country and the region, and potential areas of work were also discussed.

It has been agreed with all counterparts that the next steps are the development of the new Regional Programme for South Asia and the visits to Dhaka of the new Regional Representative and other UNODC staff to continue the strategic dialogue in the country.