UN's role in Bangladesh has changed over time and is more nuanced

UN Resident Coordinator in Bangladesh, Gwyn Lewis, speaks at Prothom Alo office in Karwan Bazar, Dhaka, on 26 February 2023
Prothom Alo

The United Nations and Bangladesh work closely on development, technical issues, humanitarian assistance and several areas. Even in 1971 during Bangladesh's struggle for independence, the UN played a significant role. The role had changed with the changing times and was more nuanced.

The UN Resident Coordinator in Bangladesh, Gwyn Lewis, made these comments during her visit to the Prothom Alo office in Karwan Bazar of the capital on Sunday.

She was received by the Prothom Alo Editor Matiur Rahman. Gwyn Lewis was briefed on the activities of Prothom Alo. She also watched short documentaries depicting Prothom Alo's initiatives in preventing child marriage and promoting women's development.

It (Prothom Alo) was more than just a newspaper and its work in social development deserved praise. It also played an important role to covering the issues of people all over the country, not just Dhaka
Gwyn Lewis, UN Resident Coordinator in Bangladesh

The UN resident coordinator Gwyn Lewis expressed her appreciation towards Prothom Alo, saying it was doing a good job despite all the challenges.

She further said it (Prothom Alo) was more than just a newspaper and its work in social development deserved praise. It also played an important role to covering the issues of people all over the country, not just Dhaka. This was important. It was important to give coverage to youth to help in creating opportunities and support for them, she added.

Prothom Alo editor Matiur Rahman said, "We recall the role of the UN in 1971 with gratitude. We to lend our support to the UN in various ways. Despite being a newspaper,  Prothom Alo works with various social issues.

We recall the role of the UN in 1971 with gratitude. We to lend our support to the UN in various ways
Matiur Rahman, Prothom Alo editor

When asked about media freedom, the Digital Security Act and related issues, Gwyn Lewis said the UN has certain programmatic focus. However, UN special rapporteurs actively deal with such issues.

Four UN rapporteurs have requested the Bangladesh government to withdraw all charges against journalist Rozina Islam.

Among others Prothom Alo Executive Editor Sajjad Sharif, Managing Editor Anisul Hoque, Associate Editor Shumana Sharmin, Head of Prothom Alo English online Ayesha Kabir were also present.