The United Nations has formally accepted Bangladesh’s proposal to withdraw its declaration under Article 14(1) of the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CAT)
This move clears the path for victims of state-sponsored torture and enforced disappearance to claim compensation and rehabilitation.
According to a UN document shared by the Chief Adviser’s Press Wing today, the withdrawal came into effect on February 3.
The decision followed the approval of the Council of Advisers at its weekly meeting on January 29, chaired by Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus.
The Press Wing noted that the CAT convention, adopted in 1984, has been ratified by 173 states. Bangladesh ratified the treaty in 1998, but, at the time of accession, joined the Bahamas, Fiji, New Zealand, Samoa, and the United States in making reservations to Article 14(1).
That reservation had prevented victims of torture or enforced disappearance from effectively securing their right to fair and adequate compensation and rehabilitation. With its withdrawal, victims will now be entitled to rehabilitation and financial redress. In cases where a victim dies due to torture, dependents will also be eligible for compensation.
The Council of Advisers described the move as a “landmark and historic step” that will strengthen Bangladesh’s international image in human rights protection, while enhancing state accountability and transparency.
Human rights activists in Bangladesh have long demanded this change, calling it a crucial reform that has been pending for nearly two decades.