Bangladesh, South Africa exchange insights on justice and reforms with UNDP support

Two high-level delegations from Bangladesh, led by Chief Justice Syed Refaat Ahmed and Law Adviser Dr. Asif Nazrul, completed a learning programme in South Africa on justice, reconciliation, and healing.

The exchange, co-facilitated by UNDP and the Commonwealth Secretariat from May 17–24, explored South Africa's post-apartheid experience in truth-seeking, prosecutions, and memorialisation.

The programme included meetings with victims' groups, justice and human rights institutions, civil society, and former Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) members. It reflected Bangladesh's commitment to deepening social cohesion and democratic reforms following a political transition. 

"Our judicial reform roadmap initiated the transformation of the judiciary as a foundational pillar for other reform efforts ," said Chief Justice Refaat Ahmed. "The profound dialogue and reflection on how inclusive dialogue and transitional justice mechanisms can strengthen national unity and democracy will help us in designing reform processes in Bangladesh."

At the Constitutional Court, South Africa's Chief Justice Mandisa Maya praised Bangladesh's recent efforts to uphold human rights and strengthen the rule of law. At the Human Rights Commission, discussions focused on institutional reforms to prevent the recurrence of serious crimes. 

Dr. Asif Nazrul, Law Adviser to the Interim Government of Bangladesh, noted, "Our engagement with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission members, civil society, and victims' families in South Africa reaffirmed that establishing the facts is the foundation for accountability, justice, and national healing." 

UNDP Bangladesh Resident Representative Stefan Liller added, "With its broad global expertise and network UNDP is uniquely placed to promote South-South exchanges and facilitate contextually relevant knowledge-sharing that helps countries like Bangladesh advance justice and governance reforms. Learning from lived experiences, reflections amongst peers and listening to victims' unaddressed grievances was invaluable."

The visit concluded with further engagements in Pretoria and Cape Town. This initiative is part of UNDP's broader support to Bangladesh's judiciary, promoting justice, accountability, and inclusive governance