Diplomatic Correspondent :
The Interim Government of Bangladesh has stated that it expects the newly established United Nations human rights mission to operate with full transparency and in alignment with the country’s legal and cultural framework.
In a statement issued by the Chief Adviser’s Press Wing on Saturday, the government confirmed the signing of a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) to establish a mission in Bangladesh.
The agreement aims to support the protection and promotion of human rights in the country.
While the OHCHR announced the signing on its website earlier in the week, the government had not made any immediate public comment at the time.
The MoU facilitates the establishment of a UN human rights office in Bangladesh, although it has drawn criticism from some Islamic political parties.
Acknowledging such opposition, the Chief Adviser’s Office noted, “We recognise that sections of society have expressed concerns regarding the ideological positions of UN human rights bodies.
Bangladesh’s social structure is deeply rooted in its cultural and religious heritage.”
It added, “Many citizens have voiced that any international collaboration must show due respect for these values.
Within this context, the OHCHR mission will focus on addressing serious human rights violations and ensuring accountability for abuses committed under previous governments.”
The government emphasised that the mission will be expected to work transparently and maintain close cooperation with local stakeholders.
“The United Nations is committed to operating in Bangladesh with full respect for our cultural and religious realities,” the statement said.
On the terms of the agreement, the government clarified that it retains the sovereign authority to terminate the MoU should the partnership no longer align with national interests.
According to the statement, the mission will provide training and technical assistance to various government bodies and civil society organisations.
Its objectives include enhancing institutional capacity, offering legal support, and helping Bangladesh meet its national and international human rights obligations.
The government stressed that the mission “will not promote any social agenda outside the country’s established legal, social, and cultural norms.”
This initiative, it said, reflects Bangladesh’s ongoing commitment to justice and institutional reform, particularly in light of serious human rights violations that occurred during the political unrest in July-August 2024.
The statement also referred to past incidents under the former administration, including allegations of extrajudicial killings and mass atrocities.
“Had such a mission been active at the time, many of these crimes could have been properly investigated and documented,” it said. “At this moment, our commitment to human rights must be grounded in justice, not idealism.”
The government views the partnership as an opportunity to strengthen state institutions and enhance protections for citizens – governed by the rule of law, guided by national values, and accountable to the people.
A February report by the UN Human Rights Office claimed that between 15 July and 5 August 2024, as many as 1,400 people may have been killed and thousands injured, mostly from gunfire by security forces.
The report also noted that 12-13 percent of those killed were children. Bangladesh Police reported the deaths of 44 officers during the same period.
