UN rights mission to focus on preventing abuses, ensuring accountability: Govt

The interim government of Bangladesh on Saturday said the newly launched mission of the UN Human Rights Office in the country will focus on preventing serious human rights abuses, particularly those committed under the previous administration, and on promoting accountability for violations.

In a statement issued by the Chief Adviser’s press wing, the government emphasized that the mission will not be used to promote social agendas that fall outside Bangladesh’s legal, cultural, or religious framework. The clarification came amid concerns from various domestic groups about the ideological leaning of international rights bodies.

"Bangladesh is a society grounded in strong cultural and religious traditions. Citizens have made it clear that any international partnership must respect these values," the statement said.

The mission was formalized through a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the Government of Bangladesh and the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR). The mission will provide training, technical assistance, and legal support to government institutions and civil society, aimed at strengthening the country's capacity to uphold both national and international human rights obligations.

According to the press wing, the agreement underscores Bangladesh’s commitment to reform and justice, particularly in response to the serious rights violations that occurred during the July-August 2024 period.

"This initiative is rooted in justice—not ideology—and serves to strengthen institutions and enhance protections for citizens," the statement read.

The government also noted it retains the sovereign right to terminate the agreement should it cease to align with national interests.

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk, who signed the MoU with Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam, welcomed the agreement. He called it a significant step that reflects Bangladesh’s commitment to making human rights a pillar of its political transition.

Türk said the UN office looks forward to supporting implementation of recommendations from its recent fact-finding report on protest-related violence, while continuing engagement with the government and civil society to advance ongoing reforms.

Since last August, OHCHR has expanded its engagement with Bangladesh, including supporting reform efforts and investigating allegations of deadly crackdowns on mass protests.