Opening UN Human Rights office at draft stage
Diplomatic Correspondent :
The interim government of Bangladesh led by Prof Muhamamd Yunus has been working actively on the opening a branch office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) here.
The office is expected working on the investigation of the human rights violations including enforced disappearance in the past especially during the Awami League government in the last fifteen years, as well as the egregious human rights violation during July uprising last year.
Regarding the update of the issue, Foreign Adviser Md Touhid Hossain told the media at his office on Thursday said that the setting up of the branch office is currently at the draft stage.
“It is still at the draft stage. Once the exchange of drafts is completed, only then will we sign it. At that point, we can share the full details with you. Until then, it’s better not to discuss it in detail while it’s still in the draft stage,” he said.
A memorandum of understanding (MoU) regarding the OHCHR mission in Bangladesh has recently been approved in principle at a meeting of the Advisory Council.
Meanwhile, Law Adviser Asif Nazrul recently said that both Bangladesh government and OHCHR have agreed in principal for opening of branch office for three years and there would have options for renewal if necessary.
Asked about the recent telephone conversation between the Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, he said that both sides talked on multiple issues including the next parliamentary election here.
“They had a very pleasant conversation. I was present at the time. The US expressed support for the reform efforts and mentioned that elections should be held as soon as possible,” the Foreign Adviser said.
When asked whether the US Secretary of State specifically called for early elections, the adviser did not give a direct answer.
He said, “The discussion took place in a sincere and cordial atmosphere. During the conversation, the topic came up. They inquired about the election and expressed support for the reform initiatives. We informed them that elections would be held as soon as feasibly possible.”
Regarding the ongoing US-Bangladesh tariff issue, Touhid Hossain said a meeting was scheduled in Washington on Thursday.
“Our Trade Adviser is attending, as is our National Security Adviser. We hope both sides will reach a resolution and that trade will not be adversely affected,” he highlighted.
When asked whether the humanitarian corridor was discussed, Touhid Hossain replied, “No, there was no such conversation.”
According to the Chief Adviser’s Press Wing, Monday’s phone call between Yunus and Rubio lasted about 15 minutes and was described as warm, friendly, and constructive, reflecting the strong bilateral ties between the two nations.
During the call, the two leaders discussed various matters of mutual interest, including US-Bangladesh trade negotiations, the ongoing reform process, the roadmap for democratic transition, the upcoming general elections, and assistance for Rohingya refugees.
Secretary Rubio expressed support for Bangladesh’s reform initiatives and its plan to hold elections early next year.
He noted that the United States is Bangladesh’s largest export destination and the top source of remittances.
Both parties expressed hope that ongoing tariff discussions would be concluded soon, which would help expand bilateral trade.