Dhaka Bureau: Gwen Lewis, UN resident coordinator assigned to Bangladesh, said that the United Nations has no mandate for the upcoming parliamentary elections in Bangladesh.
He also said that the United Nations will support the elections if the Bangladesh government or the Security Council wants.
He said this in response to a question from journalists at the ‘DCAB Talk’ program at Tafazzal Hossain Manik Mia Hall of Jatiya Press Club on Tuesday (November 8) morning.
He said, I cannot talk about it (elections). Because the United Nations has no mandate (discipline or order) in this regard. It is entirely a matter for the political parties to decide. Bangladesh Government Affairs. There is no authority to speak on the matter until an order is received from the Security Council.
Gwen Lewis said, “Recently, some people have been hurt over political issues.” This is of concern. We appeal to all to ensure that no political conflict takes place here. There is no substitute for negotiation or dialogue in overcoming any crisis. Political issues can be resolved through dialogue.
He also said, we are grateful to Bangladesh for providing shelter to the Rohingyas. We stand in solidarity with the Rohingyas. The UN is working with Myanmar on the safe repatriation of the Rohingya. We want a political solution to the Rohingya crisis. We have continued our initiative.
In response to a question, Gwen Lewis said there are challenges with the Ukraine crisis. The Security Council has discussed this crisis. It is a difficult and complicated matter.
The UN resident envoy said that there are 6,800 peacekeepers in Bangladesh in the UN peacekeeping mission. There are 500 women peacekeepers of Bangladesh. It is very positive.
In response to a question, he said that the local office of the United Nations spends only 6 to 7 percent of the funds provided by donors for the Rohingyas. The rest of the money is spent on the Rohingyas. There is transparency in this expenditure.
Diplomatic Correspondents Association Bangladesh (DCAB) President Rezaul Karim Lotus and General Secretary AKM Moinuddin also spoke at this time.
