The New Nation - Internet Edition

UNB, NewYork

UNDP Administrator Dr Kemal Dervis Thursday assured that the UN would extend its support to the caretaker government in carrying out its current reform initiatives.

The UNDP administrator gave the assurance while he called on Chief Adviser Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed in his hotel suite.

Dr Dervis praised the government efforts for introducing positive changes in governance, particularly in areas of police administration to ensure rule of law.

He said the UNDP was ready to accord all possible assistance to advance the programmes.

The Chief Adviser apprised him of institutional reforms that were being undertaken in discharging the caretaker government's mandate.

The Chief Adviser referred to his government efforts to bring about quantitative and qualitative improvements in socio-economic indexes, which the Administrator appreciated.

Dr Fakhruddin also stressed the need for greater mutual access to neighbouring countries to grow in a balanced and sustainable fashion.

The Administrator discussed the reforms being undertaken at the UN and sought Bangladesh's support as "Bangladesh is an important member of the international community." Dr. Fakhruddin Ahmed stressed the need for greater development focus of the UN system and expected that the UNDP will continue to play a central role in this regard.