UN human rights body to open three-year office in Bangladesh

The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) is set to open a country office in Bangladesh for an initial period of three years, aiming to enhance cooperation on human rights issues.

Speaking to reporters at the Foreign Service Academy on Sunday, Law Affairs Adviser Dr Asif Nazrul said, “Significant progress has been made in the discussions between the interim government and the UN Human Rights Office. The Council of Advisers has, in principle, approved the draft MoU today.”

He noted that the office’s initial mandate will cover three years, with the possibility of renewal if both parties find it necessary.

Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam was also present at the briefing.

Dr Nazrul added that a group of advisers will further review the draft before the final version is sent to UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk. Once approved by the UN side, the MoU will be signed, paving the way for the official establishment of the office.

He expressed hope that local institutions working on human rights will collaborate closely with the OHCHR office, particularly in addressing serious rights violations.

The development follows a milestone decision by the interim government to invite the OHCHR to conduct an independent fact-finding mission in the wake of the July–August unrest. The resulting report from the UN mission cited around 1,400 deaths during and after the uprising.

The OHCHR office is expected to support Bangladesh’s ongoing reforms across political, bureaucratic, police, and judicial sectors.

On 4 June, UN Resident Coordinator in Bangladesh Gwyn Lewis said, “We understand from the government that an MoU is finalised. We are waiting to sign it soon. That means we will be able to open the OHCHR office soon to support many of the ongoing processes.”

Since joining the United Nations in 1974, Bangladesh has consistently shown commitment to global peace and international cooperation.