UNDP delegation discusses human rights, police reform with Home Minister

A delegation from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) led by its Resident Representative Stefan Liller paid a courtesy visit to Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed at his official residence on Bailey Road on Sunday.

The meeting focused on a broad range of issues, including law and order, security, police reform, the establishment of an independent police commission, the National Human Rights Commission Ordinance, the Prevention and Remedy of Enforced Disappearance Ordinance and the situation of Rohingya refugees, according to a press release issued from the Ministry of Home Affairs.

At the outset, Minister Salahuddin welcomed the UNDP team, while Stefan Liller congratulated him on taking up his new responsibilities.

Speaking on police reform, the home minister said, “We are working on reforming the police gradually and in phases. This cannot be achieved overnight. UNDP’s support will be crucial in restructuring, capacity building, and improving the effectiveness of the police force.”

The UNDP representative assured continued support for police reform and highlighted the organisation’s long-standing role in supporting the National Human Rights Commission, including drafting its ordinance in line with international best practices.

Regarding the National Human Rights Commission Ordinance, Minister Salahuddin said it would be closely linked to the creation of an independent police commission and would be submitted to Parliament after necessary reviews. Similarly, the Prevention and Remedy of Enforced Disappearance Ordinance is being refined to ensure clear definitions for identifying perpetrators before being placed before Parliament as a bill.

On the security situation in Rohingya camps, the minister clarified that only designated investigation officers can conduct investigations, while the Armed Police Battalion (APBn) is not an investigative body.

However, he assured that security measures in the camps would be further strengthened.

Other participants included Rebecca Khan, joint secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs; Sonali Dayaratne, deputy resident representative of UNDP Bangladesh; Anowarul Haq, assistant resident representative; and Romana Schweiger, rule of law, justice and security adviser at UNDP Bangladesh.