Islamic Andolon Bangladesh Opposes UN Human Rights Office in Dhaka

Melbourne, July 14 — Islamic Andolon Bangladesh, a conservative religious political party, has voiced strong opposition to the establishment of the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in Dhaka, claiming the move contradicts the country’s social norms and national interests.

In a written statement released on Monday, the party’s Joint Secretary General and spokesperson, Gazi Ataur Rahman, expressed concern over the government’s decision, calling it “non-transparent” and “potentially harmful” for Bangladesh in the long term.

“The decision to open a UN human rights office in Bangladesh was taken without informing the people, which is deeply concerning,” the statement said. “There has been a lack of transparency regarding the mandate and objectives of this office.”

The party alleged that in the current global context, human rights have increasingly become a political tool wielded by Western powers. “Institutions like the United Nations often apply double standards, which are widely criticized across the globe,” the statement added.

Islamic Andolon further argued that the UN’s definitions and priorities on human rights — including the recognition of homosexuality, transgender rights, legal access to abortion, and opposition to the death penalty — are in direct conflict with Bangladesh’s religious and cultural values.

Ataur Rahman warned that the office’s activities could interfere with the country’s internal moral framework and deepen social divisions. “This may also lead to reputational damage on the international stage, adversely affecting trade, tourism, and overseas employment opportunities for Bangladeshi workers,” he said.

He also expressed concern that the office might produce negative reports on Bangladesh’s human rights record in the future, which could deter foreign investment and impact the country’s global standing.

Islamic Andolon has called on the government to reconsider its approval of the UN human rights office, urging policymakers to prioritize national sovereignty and traditional values in any engagement with international organizations.