UN rights mission office in Dhaka will not be allowed, says Hifazat-e Islam

The organisation believes such moves pose “threats” to both sovereignty and faith-based values

Hifazat-e Islam Bangladesh has voiced strong opposition to the proposed opening of a United Nations Human Rights Office in Dhaka.

The organisation’s chief Shah Muhibbullah Babunagari called on the interim government to reverse its policy decision, warning that such a move would not be “tolerated”.

The Dhaka chapter of Hifazat held a prayer meeting and discussion at Jamia Madania auditorium in Dhaka’s Baridhara on Saturday afternoon, during which the remarks were delivered, the organisation said in a media statement.

Hifazat chief said Bangladesh, as a Muslim-majority country, is founded on religious and family values rooted in Islam.

“It is our religious and civic duty to safeguard our cultural, social and moral structure,” the statement quoted him as saying.

He claimed that several international organisations had previously sought to “interfere” in Islamic Sharia, family laws, and religious values under the guise of human rights, describing such actions as “a blow to national sovereignty and an affront to the religious sentiments of the Muslim community”.

“For that reason, the UN rights office will not be allowed in Bangladesh.”

On Jun 29, the caretaker administration gave in-principle approval to a draft memorandum of understanding (MoU) that would allow the UN rights mission office to operate in Dhaka for three years.

Hifazat’s Secretary General Sajidur Rahman warned that “any foreign attempts to impose alien norms on family and religious systems in the name of rights would not be accepted by devout citizens”.

He urged the government to cancel the MoU and refrain from appointing any foreign envoy in connection with the planned office.

Joint Secretary General Mamunul Haque warned that public protests could follow if the government proceeds.

He said the July Uprising was meant to establish a Bangladesh free from “fascism, inequality and foreign dominance” and urged leaders to honour that legacy or face judgement by history and public conscience.