Prof Yunus seeks UNDP’s support for vital reforms in judiciary, EC

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus today (28 August) said his government would seek support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) for reforms in the judiciary and Election Commission.

"We are committed to free, fair and transparent elections," said Prof Yunus when the UNDP Resident Representative Stefan Liller paid a courtesy call on him at the State Guest House Jamuna in Dhaka.

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) affairs principal coordinator Lamiya Morshed, among others, was present at the meeting.

Prof Yunus said it is a good occasion to challenge everything. "These are opportunities. We have to find out how to reorganise the systems," he said, referring to the student-people revolution.

Prof Yunus sought support of UNDP to carry out vital reforms in wide-ranging areas such as judiciary, police, Election Commission, tax administration and land registration, according to his press wing.

The chief adviser said the interim government was committed to launch vital reforms in Bangladesh's key institutions in an effort to hold a free, fair and transparent election and help people truly enjoy the fruits of the student-led revolution.

He said Bangladesh immediately needs far-reaching digitalisation efforts - including designing simple solutions - in tax and land administration, so that a citizen can pay taxes or register their land and property sale without any hassles.

"Why do we have to go to the tax office? No one has to go to the tax office to file a tax return," the chief adviser said.

Prof Yunus said Bangladesh needs vital reforms "to build a modern police force" and ensure a rule of law in the country.

UNDP Resident Representative Liller offered the UN agency's full support for the wide-ranging reforms. He said the UNDP has a long collaboration in Bangladesh but much of their funding was slowed down by bureaucratic processes.

UNDP officials attending the meeting said the agency was also ready to support Bangladesh's export diversification efforts, green transitioning, help in easing businesses and fighting climate change.

They said they would also like to reassess the country's investment climate, especially detecting the key constraints.