Govt clears way to host UN rights office in Dhaka

The Advisory Council has approved a draft memorandum of understanding (MoU) to set up the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) mission in Dhaka for an initial three-year term.

The decision came during the council's 33rd meeting on Thursday, presided over by Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus. A statement from the Cabinet Division confirmed the approval, based on a proposal from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, bdnews24 reports.

The draft had earlier received policy-level clearance at the council's Jun 29 meeting.

Law Advisor Asif Nazrul, briefing the media after the initial approval, said UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk had submitted a report detailing alleged crimes against humanity during the July Uprising in Bangladesh.

He added that talks with the UN had been ongoing to set up the OHCHR office, describing Thursday's nod as "significant progress".

"The MoU will now be sent to Volker Türk. It will be signed at the earliest possible time. On this basis, the UN will have a human rights office in Bangladesh," Nazrul said.

The office's mandate could be extended if both parties agree, he added.

The advisor said, "In future cases of human rights violations, the OHCHR will work alongside our government to ensure accountability."
The interim government's move, however, has triggered sharp reactions from Hifazat-e Islam Bangladesh, which expressed "deep concern and fear" over the move.

The organisation's chief Shah Muhibbullah Babunagari told a gathering in Dhaka on Jul 5 that in the past, several international agencies had tried to "interfere" with Islamic Shariah, family laws, and religious values under the pretext of human rights.

"Such interference strikes at our national sovereignty and runs counter to the religious sentiments of the Muslim community. So, we will not allow a UN human rights office to open in Bangladesh," he said.

In a parallel move, the council has approved a proposal for Bangladesh to accede to the Optional Protocol to the Convention Against Torture (OP-CAT), a UN treaty designed to enhance global mechanisms for preventing torture and inhumane treatment.

"The Optional Protocol, adopted in 2002, aims to strengthen preventive safeguards worldwide," said the Cabinet Division.

"Bangladesh has been a party to the main UN Convention against Torture since 1998. This step will deepen its commitment to global human rights norms."

The council also signed off on a proposal to establish a new Consulate General in Malaysia's Johor Bahru.

Separately, the draft of the Moheshkhali Integrated Development Authority Ordinance, 2025 received final approval, subject to vetting by the Legislative and Parliamentary Affairs Division.

The draft of the National Sports Council (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025 was also approved both in principle and in final form.