The government of Bangladesh has entered into a three-year agreement with the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) to establish a mission focused on promoting and protecting human rights across the country. This Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), signed by Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam and UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk, marks a significant step toward addressing past violations and fostering accountability.
The OHCHR mission will prioritize capacity-building, offering training and technical support to government institutions and civil society organizations. It aims to strengthen Bangladesh’s ability to meet its national and international human rights commitments, particularly in response to serious violations reported during July and August 2024. The initiative emphasizes transparency and collaboration with local stakeholders while respecting Bangladesh’s cultural and religious values.
This partnership reflects the interim government’s commitment to reform, including the recent ratification of the Convention on the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearances and plans to repeal the controversial Cyber Security Act. The mission will also support ongoing investigations into past abuses by law enforcement, aiming to restore public trust in governance.
Posts on X highlight public support for this move, with many viewing it as a positive signal of Bangladesh’s dedication to human rights reforms. However, the government retains the authority to exit the agreement if it no longer aligns with national interests, ensuring sovereignty remains intact.
This collaboration sets a foundation for meaningful progress in human rights, with hopes of creating a more just and accountable society in Bangladesh.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, July 19th, 2025
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