In a decision that has ignited both hope and controversy, Bangladesh’s interim government has greenlit the establishment of a UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) office in Dhaka. Signed on July 19, 2025, through a three-year memorandum of understanding, the move aims to bolster human rights protections and hold the previous regime accountable for alleged atrocities.
Yet, as the nation grapples with post-revolution challenges, critics warn that the UN’s presence could tarnish Bangladesh’s international reputation, deter foreign investment, and exacerbate domestic tensions.
While the government views the move as a milestone in human rights development and international cooperation, analysts warn it could have far-reaching implications – potentially affecting foreign investment, diplomatic ties, and domestic policy dynamics.
A controversial move amid political sensitivity
The decision, announced by Law Adviser Asif Nazrul on June 29, was followed swiftly by the signing of a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the UN and the interim government. The office will be the 19th OHCHR field presence globally, joining a list that includes countries like Burkina Faso, Cambodia, Syria, and Yemen – many of which face ongoing conflict, political instability, or human rights scrutiny.
This categorisation has raised eyebrows among local analysts.
Dr Imtiaz Ahmed, a former professor of International Relations at Dhaka University, expressed concern over the symbolic impact of the move.
“If Bangladesh is placed in the same category as countries like Burkina Faso or Cambodia, it will trigger a serious image crisis,” he told Jago News.
He warned that foreign investors might now perceive Bangladesh as a high-risk destination, potentially shifting focus to more stable markets in Southeast and South Asia.
Potential economic fallout
The professor also pointed to the economic consequences of the decision, particularly in relation to visa restrictions already imposed by several countries on Bangladeshis.
“This decision may further complicate visa access and diplomatic relations,” he said.
Dr Imtiaz also noted that the OHCHR’s limited impact in global crises, such as in Gaza or Ukraine, raises questions about its effectiveness in improving the human rights situation in Bangladesh.
Mixed reactions from civil society and political groups
A human rights activist, who requested anonymity, questioned the necessity of the OHCHR presence in Bangladesh. “The country is not in such a dire situation that a UN human rights office must be established,” he said.
He also raised concerns that the office might pressure Bangladesh to ratify international treaties – such as the 1951 Refugee Convention or the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples – which could stir domestic controversy.
Additionally, there are concerns over immunity provisions granted to OHCHR officials, seen by some as a potential infringement on national sovereignty.
Islamist parties oppose strongly
The move has also sparked strong opposition from Islamist groups, who fear the OHCHR’s agenda may conflict with Bangladesh’s cultural and religious values.
Hefazat-e-Islam Bangladesh issued a sharp condemnation, warning of protests if the agreement is not revoked. The group accused the commission of promoting western social agendas, including LGBT rights, and expressed scepticism over the OHCHR’s role in global Muslim conflicts.
Similarly, Islami Andolan Bangladesh and Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis staged demonstrations in Dhaka, questioning the commission’s neutrality and its potential interference in family law, religious values, and national sovereignty.
Government acknowledges concerns
In a statement issued by the Press Wing of the Chief Adviser’s Office, the government acknowledged the cultural and religious sensitivities surrounding the OHCHR’s presence.
“The OHCHR mission will not promote any social agenda outside the legal, cultural, and religious framework of Bangladesh,” the statement clarified.
The government emphasised that the office’s primary focus will be on accountability for past human rights violations, particularly those under the previous regime. It also highlighted the importance of international partnerships in upholding democratic values and protecting human rights.
A human rights activist's perspective
Noor Khan, a member of the Interim Government’s Commission on Enforced Disappearances and a long-time human rights advocate, welcomed the decision.
“If such an organisation had been present during the last government’s rule, many extrajudicial killings and human rights violations might have been properly documented and addressed,” he said.
He stressed that the OHCHR presence could help restore Bangladesh’s international reputation and promote accountability for past abuses.
What lies ahead?
The OHCHR office will operate under a three-year MoU, focusing on monitoring human rights violations, supporting legal reforms, and enhancing accountability mechanisms. While the government insists the office will not interfere with domestic laws or cultural norms, the move remains politically sensitive.
As Bangladesh navigates this new phase, the economic and diplomatic implications – especially on foreign investment and international perception – will be closely watched.