Ireland offers assistance for police reform in Bangladesh
Ireland offers assistance for police reform in Bangladesh
MD Babul Bangladesh Correspondent
Dhaka, November 5, 2025: Ireland has expressed its willingness to share its experience and expertise in police reform to support Bangladesh’s ongoing efforts to strengthen accountability and rights-based governance following the July 2024 uprising.
Ireland’s Non-Resident Ambassador to Bangladesh Kevin Kelly and Northern Ireland’s first Police Ombudsman Baroness Nuala O’Lone made the offer during a meeting with Principal Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus at the State Guest House Jamuna on Wednesday.
Baroness O’Lone, who is on a two-day visit to Bangladesh, served as Northern Ireland’s Police Ombudsman for seven years following the 1998 Good Friday Agreement, which ended the country’s long-running conflict.
She led the position during a formative phase in Northern Ireland’s history when new systems of police accountability and public trust were being established.
“Ireland’s own post-conflict experience provides valuable lessons on the long-term nature of patience, inclusion and institutional reform,” noted Baroness O’Lone. “We are here to share experiences based on realistic timescales for sustainable change,” she added.
Baroness O’Lone was accompanied by Fionnuala Gilsenan, Director of the Peace and Stability Unit at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Ireland. Sarah Cook, British High Commissioner to Bangladesh, also attended the meeting.
Principal Advisor Professor Yunus warmly welcomed Ireland’s initiative and expressed gratitude for the country’s continued engagement in Bangladesh’s reform and transition process.
“We greatly value Ireland’s support in ensuring that our ongoing transition continues in a peaceful, democratic and accountable manner,” said Professor Yunus.
The Principal Advisor sought the cooperation of Ambassador Kelly, based in New Delhi, in preventing the spread of disinformation ahead of Bangladesh’s upcoming national elections in February 2026.
Ambassador Kelly reiterated Ireland’s commitment to deepening its partnership with Bangladesh, noting that both countries share a strong commitment to peace, justice and democratic values.
