Govt okays establishing UN human rights office in Dhaka for 3 years

The Council of Advisers has granted final approval for establishing a mission of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in Dhaka. 

The approval was given on Thursday at the 33rd meeting of the council, chaired by Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus. 

According to a press release from the Cabinet Division, the organisation has been allowed to set up its office for a period of three years.

The press release said based on a proposal of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the draft Memorandum of Understanding regarding the establishment of the mission in Bangladesh has been given final approval.

Earlier on 29 June, the draft was presented at the Council of Advisers meeting, where it received policy approval.

A two-member delegation from the UN Human Rights Commission visited Dhaka last month. 

During the visit, they expressed interest in opening a mission office in Dhaka.

Law Adviser Asif Nazrul had said at a press conference that discussions were ongoing toward the goal of opening the office. 

"The OHCHR had submitted a highly important report in July on mass killings and crimes against humanity committed during the 2024 July uprising. Our government has been in discussions with them for a long time. Significant progress has been made," he had said.

The MoU received policy approval in the Council of Advisers' meeting, he mentioned.

"A few advisers will further examine it. After finalisation, it will be sent to [UN High Commissioner for Human Rights] Volker Türk for approval. If approved by him, the agreement is expected to be signed soon. Based on that, a UN Human Rights Office will be established in Bangladesh," Asif said.