Sunday, May 05, 2024
Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen on Sunday briefed UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet about the government's efforts to protect and promote human rights in the country.
Bangladesh also raised the issue of the Rohingya crisis and laid emphasis on the repatriation of the Rohingyas to their homeland in Myanmar's Rakhine State, Momen said.
Talking to reporters after his meeting with the UN human rights chief at state guest house Padma in Dhaka, Momen said the UN rights chief shared their efforts to end the Rohingya crisis.
The foreign minister said Bachelet did not raise the issues of alleged enforced disappearances, but the Bangladesh side briefed the UN side on the issue.
Momen also briefed the UN human rights body chief about the "media freedom" in Bangladesh, saying that there is no restriction.
The top executive of the UN human rights body will meet the forcibly displaced Rohingyas during her trip to Cox’s Bazar.
Bachelet arrived in Dhaka on Sunday morning on a four-day visit as Bangladesh continues “constructive dialogue” with her for the promotion and the protection of human rights.
Before her arrival in Dhaka, the government strongly rejected what it says were the visible "politically motivated efforts" of some corners to mislead the people by showcasing the visit of the UN high commissioner as an occasion to "put undue pressure" on the government.
"The government of Bangladesh firmly believes that politicisation of the human rights agenda never helps in promoting and protecting human rights of the people; and therefore, sincere dialogue and cooperation is the pathway," said the government early Saturday.
Bachelet, who was elected president of Chile on two occasions (2006 – 2010 and 2014 – 2018), is scheduled to meet Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Wednesday morning.
Apart from her meetings with the cabinet members of the government on Sunday, she will interact with the National Human Rights Commission, youth representatives, CSO leaders and the academia during her stay in Dhaka.
She would also pay homage to Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman at Bangabandhu Memorial Museum on August 15.
Also, Bachelet will deliver a speech at the Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies on Wednesday.
Bangladesh hoped to benefit from an objective appreciation of the high commissioner regarding the achievements of the country, despite challenges.
Bangladesh has been closely working with the UN in the field of human rights; and this visit would be an important occasion to highlight Bangladesh’s national perspective and the government’s sincere efforts to protect and promote the human rights of the people, including updating the domestic legal framework, creating awareness and sensitising the implementing agencies, MoFA said.
