The interim government on Saturday said the UN Human Rights Office's mission in Bangladesh will focus on addressing and preventing serious human rights abuses, such as those perpetrated by the previous government, and ensuring accountability for violations, reports UNB.
"It will not serve to promote any social agenda that falls outside the country's established legal, social and cultural framework," the government said in a statement, acknowledging that some groups in Bangladesh have expressed 'concerns' about the perceived ideological orientation of UN human rights bodies.
The statement issued by the Chief Adviser' press wing said Bangladesh is a society grounded in strong cultural and religious traditions. "We have received feedback from citizens who have said that any international partnership should be respectful of these values."
The government of Bangladesh signed a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) to field a mission in the country aimed at supporting the promotion and protection of human rights.
The purpose of the mission is to provide training and technical assistance to government institutions and civil society organisations.
Its objective is to help Bangladesh fulfill its national and international human rights obligations through capacity-building, legal support and institutional strengthening, said the Chief Adviser's press wing.
"This initiative reflects our continuing commitment to reform and accountability, particularly in response to serious human rights violations that occurred during July-August 2024," said a media release issued by the press wing.
The government expects that the mission will always demonstrate transparency and maintain close cooperation with local stakeholders.
The UN has committed to operating in full respect of Bangladesh's cultural and religious reality, the media release said.
The government retains the sovereign right to withdraw from the agreement if it determines that the partnership no longer serves the national interest.
