Bangladesh has been unanimously elected as the Vice President of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), marking its first-ever appointment to this esteemed position since the council’s inception in 2006. This milestone underscores Bangladesh's growing influence and active role in multilateral engagements and reaffirms the international community’s confidence in its leadership under Chief Advisor Professor Muhammad Yunus.

The decision was made during an organizational session held on Monday, December 9, at the UNHRC headquarters, where plans for the council’s 2025 activities were determined. The Human Rights Council comprises one president and four vice presidents representing five regional groups, tasked with promoting and safeguarding human rights globally.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed the election, highlighting it as a testament to Bangladesh’s robust diplomacy and its commitment to upholding human rights on the global stage. As Vice President, Bangladesh will actively contribute to the bureau’s efforts to address pressing human rights issues worldwide from January 1, 2025, to December 31, 2025.

Bangladesh’s permanent representative to the United Nations and other international organizations in Geneva will serve as the Vice President, ensuring active participation and leadership in the council’s initiatives.

The election process began in October 2024, with Bangladesh expressing its interest in representing the Asia-Pacific Group (APG) as Vice President. The APG, one of the council’s regional blocs, endorsed Bangladesh’s candidacy unanimously, subsequently forwarding the nomination to the broader council membership for consideration.

The council members ultimately provided their unanimous support, culminating in Bangladesh’s historic election to this position. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized that this achievement reflects not only Bangladesh’s growing global stature but also its dedication to fostering collaboration for human rights protection across diverse regions and contexts.

As Vice President, Bangladesh is expected to play a pivotal role in steering discussions and shaping policies on critical human rights challenges, contributing to the council’s mission of promoting dignity, equity, and justice worldwide.