Bangladesh Approves Draft MoU to Host UN Human Rights Office

Bangladesh’s interim government has approved a draft Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a United Nations Human Rights Office in Dhaka for an initial three-year term. The decision, made by the Council of Advisers, aims to strengthen cooperation with the UN’s Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) to address human rights concerns in the country.

The MoU draft, currently under review by a team of advisers, will be sent to UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk for finalization. If both parties agree, the agreement could be extended beyond its initial period. The move follows discussions prompted by concerns over human rights violations during recent political unrest in Bangladesh, with the office expected to enhance accountability and international oversight.

This development aligns with the interim government’s efforts to address issues like enforced disappearances, as evidenced by Bangladesh’s recent accession to the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance. The UN office is anticipated to work alongside domestic institutions to monitor and respond to human rights challenges effectively.

Posts on X reflect public interest in this development, noting the potential for increased transparency and global cooperation in Bangladesh’s human rights framework. The establishment of the UN office marks a significant step toward fostering dialogue and action on pressing human rights matters in the region.

Published in SouthAsianDesk, June 30th, 2025

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