Interim govt addresses concerns over UN human rights mission in Dhaka

The Report Desk

Published: July 19, 2025, 12:21 PM

Interim govt addresses concerns over UN human rights mission in Dhaka

The interim government of Bangladesh has responded to public concerns regarding the launch of a mission by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), affirming that no agenda contrary to the country’s laws, social norms, or cultural values will be pursued through this partnership.

A press release issued by the Chief Adviser’s Press Wing confirmed that Bangladesh has signed a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the OHCHR to establish a mission aimed at supporting the promotion and protection of human rights in the country.

According to the statement, the mission‍‍`s objectives include providing training and technical assistance to both government institutions and non-governmental organizations.

The initiative is intended to enhance Bangladesh‍‍`s capacity to meet its national and international human rights obligations, strengthen legal frameworks, and improve institutional accountability.

The government clarified that the mission is part of a broader commitment to reform and accountability following serious human rights violations that occurred during the July–August 2024 period.

Acknowledging that some groups have expressed concern about the ideological orientation of UN human rights mechanisms, the government emphasized that Bangladesh is a society rooted in strong cultural and religious values.

Many citizens have voiced the importance of ensuring that any international engagement respects those values.

The statement stressed that the OHCHR mission will focus solely on addressing serious human rights violations—particularly those committed under the previous government—and will not serve as a platform for implementing social agendas inconsistent with Bangladesh‍‍`s legal and cultural framework.

The government expressed its expectation that the mission would operate with full transparency and in close cooperation with local stakeholders.

The United Nations has reportedly committed to conducting its activities in full respect of Bangladesh’s religious and cultural context.

Importantly, the agreement allows Bangladesh to withdraw from the partnership at any time should the government determine that the mission no longer aligns with national interests.

The statement also noted that had such an office existed under previous governments—during periods marked by extrajudicial killings and mass atrocities—many crimes could have been properly investigated, documented, and prosecuted.

The government views this partnership as an opportunity to strengthen national institutions and enhance citizen protection, grounded in the country’s values, laws, and principles of public accountability.

Link copied!