SS Report
Dhaka, 09 December 2025:
Mr. Kristian Hölge, the newly appointed Regional Representative of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) for South Asia, presented his credentials today to Mr. Md. Touhid Hossain, Foreign Adviser at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Mr. Hölge is based in New Delhi and is visiting Dhaka for the first time since assuming office.
During the meeting, Mr. Hölge outlined UNODC’s ongoing work in Bangladesh and shared his plans to further strengthen cooperation in tackling drug trafficking, human trafficking, corruption, terrorism and other forms of transnational organized crime. He expressed his intention to work closely with Bangladeshi partners to deepen impact, expand key initiatives and enhance the capacity of officials working in these areas.
Welcoming him, the Foreign Adviser stressed the importance of bolstering collaboration between Bangladesh and UNODC. He expressed optimism that the proposed Cooperation Framework between the Government of Bangladesh and UNODC would deliver concrete results once finalized. He also reiterated Bangladesh’s request to establish a dedicated UNODC Country Office in Dhaka to support the agency’s expanding portfolio in the country.
The Foreign Adviser further noted that the early repatriation of Rohingyas to Myanmar remains essential for effectively addressing drug-related and other criminal challenges in the region.
Later in the day, Mr. Hölge also called on Ambassador Asad Alam Siam, Foreign Secretary, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
