Accord for establishing UNHR office in Dhaka approved

Interim government's council of advisers Thursday approved the final draft memorandum of understanding (MoU) allowing for establishing a mission of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in Bangladesh.

The finally endorsed draft has been sent to the OHCHR headquarters in Geneva for approval. If accepted, the UN rights mission will be set up in Dhaka for an initial period of three years, as earlier agreed.

The all-clear came from a meeting of the council of advisers held at the Chief Adviser's Office in Tejgaon with Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus presiding, which also made few other major decisions.

The establishment of the OHCHR mission marks a significant move by the post-uprising government "to reinforce its commitment to transparency, human rights protection, and international cooperation following the country's political transition", officials said.

In addition to the OHCHR MoU, the interim cabinet approved two ordinances and two other key proposals. These include 'The National Sports Council (Amendment) Ordinance 2025', aimed at modernising sport governance in Bangladesh, and 'The Moheshkhali Integrated Development Authority Ordinance 2025' which seeks to streamline development initiatives in the coastal-island region.

Another notable decision from the meeting is the approval for a proposal to open a new Consulate General of Bangladesh in Johor Bahru, Malaysia.

"The consulate is expected to serve the growing Bangladeshi diaspora in southern Malaysia and strengthen bilateral ties," it is stated in the objective.

The council also approved a proposal for Bangladesh to accede to the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture (OP-CAT), a step seen as a reaffirmation of the country's pledge to combat torture and uphold international human-rights standards.

Also, the meeting did a stocktaking of the exigencies stemming from the ongoing floods and waterlogging in Feni and Noakhali districts amid heavy rain and onrush of water.

Advisers from the relevant ministries briefed the government hierarchy on emergency measures, including dam repairs, riverbank protection, and infrastructure rehabilitation -- partly funded by the World Bank.

Discussions were also held on finalising the designs for the Musapur Regulator and Bamni Closure, constructing permanent dams in Feni, and clearing drainage canals in Noakhali to prevent future disasters.

The council reaffirmed government resolve to respond effectively to the crisis and expedite long-term climate-resilience projects in vulnerable regions.

mirmostafiz@yahoo.com