Advisers' council approves draft MoU to establish UN Human Rights office in Dhaka

The Council of Advisers on Thursday approved the final draft of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for establishing a mission of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in Bangladesh.

The draft has been sent to the OHCHR headquarters in Geneva for approval. If accepted, a UN Human Rights mission will be set up in Dhaka for an initial period of three years.

The decision came during a meeting of the Council of Advisers held at the Chief Adviser’s Office in Tejgaon, with Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus presiding. 

The establishment of the OHCHR mission marks a significant move by the interim 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 Council approved two ordinances and two other key proposals. These include the ‘National Sports Council (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025’, aimed at modernising sports 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 was the approval of 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.

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.

Meanwhile, the meeting also addressed the ongoing flood and waterlogging crisis in Feni and Noakhali districts due to recent heavy rains. Advisers from the relevant ministries briefed the Council on emergency measures, including dam repair, 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 the government’s resolve to respond effectively to the crisis and expedite long-term climate resilience projects in vulnerable regions.