UN to open human rights office in Bangladesh for 3yrs

Online desk: The United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) is set to establish an office in Bangladesh under a three-year agreement aimed at deepening cooperation on human rights issues.

The move marks a significant step in strengthening Bangladesh’s engagement with international human rights mechanisms amid ongoing reforms across key sectors.

Law Affairs Adviser Dr. Asif Nazrul confirmed on Sunday that Council of Advisers has given in-principle approval to a draft Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with OHCHR.

Speaking at a press briefing at Foreign Service Academy, Dr. Nazrul said the initial term for the office would be three years, with the possibility of renewal upon mutual agreement between the government and the UN.

The draft MoU will now undergo further review by a small group of advisers before being sent to UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk.

Once approved by UN side, the MoU is expected to be signed quickly, paving the way for the official launch of OHCHR’s presence in Bangladesh.

Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam also attended the briefing. The proposed office is expected to work closely with local agencies involved in human rights protection and to play a crucial role in addressing serious violations, should they occur.

The decision comes after the interim government invited OHCHR to conduct an independent fact-finding mission following the unrest in July and August last year.

The UN mission later reported that approximately 1,400 people were killed during and after the period of political violence, raising international concerns over rights abuses.

UN Resident Coordinator in Bangladesh, Gwyn Lewis, confirmed earlier this month that the MoU process was nearing completion. “We understand from the government that a MoU is finalised. We are waiting to sign it soon. That means we will be able to open an Office of the Human Commissioner for Human Rights soon to support a lot of processes that are underway,” she said on June 4.

The office is expected to support Bangladesh through its ongoing reforms in political, bureaucratic, police and judicial sectors.

Bangladesh, a UN member since 1974, has long demonstrated support for international peace and cooperation and the establishment of OHCHR office represents a new chapter in its commitment to human rights.