Diplomatic Desk:
Desk Report: John Brandolino, Executive Director of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, met Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed in a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the ongoing ‘Global Fraud Summit’ in Vienna, Austria.
The meeting was held in a conference room of the ‘M-Building’ of the Vienna International Center on Monday (March 16, 2026) afternoon local time.
At the beginning of the meeting, the Home Minister expressed gratitude for UNODC’s long-standing technical and strategic cooperation with Bangladesh in drug control, prevention of human trafficking, money laundering and combating cybercrime. He said that UNODC is working as a trusted partner of Bangladesh in the changing context of global crime.
The Minister highlighted the organization’s contribution in enhancing the capacity of Bangladesh Police to maintain law and order in the 2026 national elections. He said that UNODC’s support has played an effective role in providing special training to 89 Superintendents of Police (SPs) and 574 Officers-in-Charge (OCs) across the country during the elections and in formulating a handbook containing electoral laws.
Laying special emphasis on the ‘police reform’ program undertaken by the current government in the meeting, the Home Minister said that UNODC’s technical assistance, policy-making advice and global experience are very important to elevate this reform to international standards. He also mentioned that building a modern, professional and people-friendly police force is one of the government’s priorities.
Meanwhile, UNODC Executive Director John Brandolino praised the government’s strong stance on modernizing the security sector in Bangladesh and controlling drugs and crime. He assured to further strengthen cooperation in the future.
Representatives of the diplomatic mission of Bangladesh in Vienna were present at the meeting.
