United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, has arrived in Dhaka for a two-day visit.
United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk arrived in Dhaka on Monday night (October 28) for a two-day visit, where he was welcomed at the airport by Taufique Hasan, Director General and spokesperson of the United Nations Division of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
According to officials from the Ministry, during his visit, Turk is scheduled to meet with key figures including Interim Government’s Chief Advisor Dr. Muhammad Yunus and 6 to 7 other advisors, the Chief Justice, the Army Chief, representatives of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, and members of civil society. Discussions are expected to prioritize issues such as elections, human rights, and security.
Additionally, Turk’s visit will also include discussions on establishing a UN Human Rights Office in Bangladesh. Both sides have reached a principled agreement on this office, and more details are expected to be discussed during Turk’s stay.
Diplomatic sources in Dhaka indicate that this visit is especially significant, given the context of political shifts in Bangladesh since August 5. Human rights, security, and election-related matters are expected to be key topics during his meetings.
The discussions on human rights will likely include a UN Fact-Finding Mission’s investigation, and the interim government is seeking UN support in reforming security and election processes. The UN has expressed readiness to offer assistance, and potential formats for such support are expected to be outlined during Turk’s discussions in Dhaka.
Sources in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs added that Turk’s visit was initially planned for the second week of September, but scheduling conflicts on both sides led to a postponement.
In September, during the UN General Assembly in New York, the High Commissioner for Human Rights had a courtesy meeting with Dr. Muhammad Yunus, Chief Advisor of the interim government.
Source: Ittefaq
