The Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Bangladesh, Mr. Stefan Liller, paid a courtesy call on State Minister for Foreign Affairs Ms. Shama Obaed Islam, MP, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Saturday.


During the meeting, Mr. Liller, who is nearing the end of his tenure, reaffirmed UNDP’s commitment to working closely with the new government of Bangladesh.
Expressing appreciation for UNDP’s support in Bangladesh’s general elections—particularly its technical assistance in registering 5.8 million new voters—the State Minister urged the organization to align its support with the government’s “Bangladesh First” (সবার আগে বাংলাদেশ) vision. She also conveyed the government’s interest in further strengthening cooperation with UNDP to achieve key socio-economic development goals.


The State Minister acknowledged UNDP’s longstanding contributions in collaboration with the government across a range of sectors, including governance, trade, commerce and investment, climate action and adaptation, and poverty alleviation.


She emphasized the importance of UNDP’s support in integrating technology in Bangladesh, particularly in promoting the ethical use of artificial intelligence and assisting efforts to combat misinformation and disinformation.


Highlighting Bangladesh’s commitment to regional cooperation as a proponent of SAARC, the State Minister expressed interest in revitalizing SAARC activities and urged UNDP to expand its Young Political Delegates Programme across SAARC member states, with a focus on engaging women entrepreneurs.


The meeting also included discussions on continued collaboration with UNDP regarding Bangladesh’s graduation from the Least Developed Country (LDC) category.