Foreign Affairs Adviser Md. Touhid Hossain -File Photo

DHAKA, Dec 9, 2025 (BSS) — Foreign Affairs Adviser Md. Touhid Hossain today stressed the need for establishing a UNODC Country Office in Dhaka to support the expanding scope of the UN agency’s work and deepen its collaboration with Bangladesh.

He made the remark while newly appointed Regional Representative of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) for South Asia Kristian Hölge presented his credentials to the Adviser at the foreign ministry here, said a ministry’s press release this evening. 

During the meeting, Hölge highlighted UNODC’s ongoing engagements in Bangladesh and outlined his plans to enhance cooperation in combating drug trafficking, human trafficking, corruption, terrorism and other transnational crimes. 

He expressed hope to work closely with Bangladeshi partners to strengthen key initiatives and expand capacity-building programmes for relevant officials.

Welcoming the Regional Representative on his first visit to Dhaka, the Adviser emphasized the importance of bolstering Bangladesh–UNODC cooperation and said the proposed Cooperation Framework between the government and UNODC is expected to yield concrete results upon its conclusion.

Touhid further reiterated that the early repatriation of Rohingyas to Myanmar remains essential for mitigating the challenges Bangladesh faces related to drugs and other organized crimes in the region.

Hölge also met Foreign Secretary Ambassador Asad Alam Siam at the ministry.