UNDP, Norway sign agreement to advance judicial independence in Bangladesh

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Government of Norway on Tuesday signed an agreement to support judicial reforms aimed at strengthening independence and institutional capacity in Bangladesh's justice sector.

The agreement was signed at the Embassy of Norway in Dhaka for the initiative titled "Consolidating Justice Reforms for Long Term Stability and Economic Growth in Bangladesh 2026."

UNDP Bangladesh Resident Representative Stefan Liller and Norway's Ambassador to Bangladesh Hakon Arald Gulbrandsen signed the agreement on behalf of their respective sides.

Under this partnership, UNDP and Norway will support infrastructure development and provide essential equipment required to operationalise the Supreme Court Secretariat, said a press release.

The initiative will also build the capacity of newly appointed secretariat staff through specialised training to enhance effective judicial self-administration.

In addition, the project will convene dialogues among the judiciary, government, legal professionals, academia, and civil society to foster deeper understanding and support for judicial independence.

Signing the agreement, Stefan Liller, Resident Representative of UNDP Bangladesh, said, "Bangladesh has made significant progress in strengthening the justice sector, from establishing the Supreme Court Secretariat to advancing merit-based judicial appointments and expanding citizen-focused services. This new partnership with Norway will help translate these reforms into sustained institutional practice."

Hakon Arald Gulbrandsen, Ambassador of Norway to Bangladesh, noted, "Judicial independence is essential for democratic governance, economic stability, and public confidence. Norway is pleased to support Bangladesh in consolidating the important reforms already underway, reforms that modernize court administration, strengthen accountability, and improve dispute resolution for both citizens and businesses."

"We believe this initiative will make a meaningful contribution to long-term stability, stronger institutions, and a justice system that people can trust," he added.

Through this agreement, UNDP and Norway reaffirm their commitment to advancing justice sector reforms and strengthening the rule of law as a foundation for sustainable development and democratic governance in Bangladesh.