Ireland has expressed its willingness to assist Bangladesh in reforming its police and strengthening institutions of accountable, rights-based governance in the aftermath of the July 2024 uprising.
Non-resident Ambassador of Ireland to Bangladesh, Kevin Kelly, and Baroness Nuala O’Loan, the first Police Ombudsman of Northern Ireland, conveyed the offer during a meeting with Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus at the State Guest House Jamuna on Wednesday.
Baroness O’Loan, who is on a two-day visit to Bangladesh, served as Northern Ireland’s Police Ombudsman for seven years following the landmark 1998 Good Friday Agreement, which ended decades of sectarian conflict. She oversaw the creation of new mechanisms for police accountability and public trust during that period.
“Ireland’s post-conflict experience offers lessons in patience, inclusion, and the long-term nature of institutional reform,” O’Loan said. “We are here to share practical experience and realistic timelines for sustainable change.”
She was accompanied by Fionnuala Gilsenan, Director of the Peace and Stability Unit at Ireland’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. The British High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Sarah Cooke, also attended the meeting.
Chief Adviser Professor Yunus welcomed Ireland’s proposal, describing it as “a timely and valuable gesture of friendship.” He thanked the Irish government for its continued engagement in supporting Bangladesh’s governance reform and transition process.
“We deeply value Ireland’s support in ensuring that our ongoing transition remains peaceful, democratic, and accountable,” Professor Yunus said.
He also sought Ireland’s cooperation—through Ambassador Kelly, who is based in New Delhi—in combating the spread of disinformation ahead of Bangladesh’s forthcoming national election in February 2026.
Ambassador Kelly reaffirmed Ireland’s commitment to expanding its partnership with Bangladesh, noting that both countries share a strong commitment to peace, justice, and democratic values.