July 28, 2025
DHAKA – Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhter has said the government agreed to a proposal for a United Nations human rights office in Dhaka to help safeguard human rights in future.
Speaking to reporters after an event at Gono Bishwabidyalay in Savar today, she said, “The UN Human Rights Commission wants to open an office here (Dhaka). That doesn’t mean the human rights situation is bad now. If there is such an office in the country, whoever comes to power in future will be very aware of protecting human rights.”
“The United Nations is active on this issue. That’s why the government has given its consent,” she added.
The adviser also said that during the tenure of the previous government, human rights were violated under state patronage.
“At that time, human rights organisations worked on our behalf and prepared reports at the international level. As a result, that fascist government was identified globally,” she said.
Farida said the interim government wants to resolve all issues through dialogue and does not intend to suppress anyone with force.
“Even when situations intensify, we try to remain tolerant. We must find the root causes of mob violence, but we are not in favour of using additional repression,” she said.
On the issue of Hilsa fish, Farida noted a drop in supply due to low rainfall this year, but assured the government was monitoring the situation to meet domestic demand and stabilise prices.
Gono Bishwabidyalay Vice-Chancellor Prof Md Abul Hossain was also present at the event.