In a statement issued on Monday, Türk highlighted his apprehension regarding these developments but also praised Bangladesh’s cooperation in assisting the UN expert team investigating enforced disappearances. He expressed optimism about reaching an agreement on this matter. Commending the ongoing political dialogues, the UN rights chief added, "I call for meaningful progress on reforms to ensure conditions for free and inclusive elections."

The United Nations has commended the initiatives taken by Bangladesh’s interim government to address incidents of enforced disappearances. The UN also welcomed Bangladesh’s association with the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance. During a meeting with the acting Foreign Secretary, representatives of the UN Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances (WGEID) stated that they are visiting Bangladesh from June 15 to 19 to observe the situation firsthand. Acting Foreign Secretary Md. Ruhul Alam Siddique reiterated Bangladesh’s commitment to human rights, justice for victims, and cooperation with the UN on this issue.

For the first time, the United Nations Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances has been allowed to visit Bangladesh to observe cases of enforced disappearances.

A two-member delegation from the UN group arrived in Dhaka on Sunday to begin their visit. During their stay, the team will hold meetings with legal expert Asif Nazrul, the acting foreign secretary, members of the commission related to disappearances, law enforcement agencies, and families of the victims.

Sources confirm that the delegation has not come to conduct an official investigation. Instead, their primary objective is to observe the situation on the ground and make recommendations based on their findings.

China has strongly condemned Israel’s attack on Iran, calling it a violation of Iran’s sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity. During a UN Security Council meeting, China’s UN representative Fu Cong criticized the Israeli offensive and warned that the escalating conflict is undermining negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program. Urging an immediate cessation of military operations, he emphasized that Iran’s right to peaceful use of nuclear energy under the Non-Proliferation Treaty must be fully respected.

The United Nations General Assembly has passed a resolution demanding an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and the unconditional release of all hostages. This move follows a recent U.S. veto in the Security Council. The resolution, adopted by 149 countries with 12 voting against and 19 abstentions, calls on member states to apply pressure on Israel and take steps aligned with international law. It also urges the lifting of Israel’s blockade on Gaza.

Iran’s Ambassador to the United Nations, Amir Saeed Iravani, has strongly condemned Israel’s recent strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities. Speaking at an emergency UN Security Council session, Iravani expressed gratitude to Algeria, Pakistan, China, and Russia for supporting the call for this urgent meeting. Describing Israel as a source of instability in the Middle East, he urged global efforts to rid the region of weapons of mass destruction. Iravani accused Israel’s aggression of being deliberate, systematic, and fully backed by the United States. “There is no doubt about America’s direct involvement in these terrorist attacks,” he added.

A UNHCR report reveals that 123.2 million people are now forcibly displaced worldwide—1 in every 67 globally. Conflict, violence, and disasters have driven this surge, with Sudan, Syria, Afghanistan, and Ukraine accounting for the majority. Gaza faces extreme displacement, while returns remain unsafe and fragile. Despite some hopeful signs, such as refugee returns to Syria, the UN warns this crisis reflects not just human suffering but a global failure to resolve conflict and protect the vulnerable.

Millions of people around the world are unable to have children as they wish, largely due to rising costs of raising children and a shortage of suitable partners, according to a report by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). The survey, conducted across 14 countries with over 14,000 participants, revealed that one in five respondents have fewer children than they had hoped for or have abandoned the idea of parenthood altogether. Financial burdens and changing social dynamics are cited as key factors behind this global trend.

The United Nations General Assembly has elected five new non-permanent members to the UN Security Council for a two-year term. The newly elected countries are:

Bahrain

Colombia

Congo

Latvia

Liberia

These nations will join the Security Council, the only UN body empowered to make legally binding decisions on matters such as sanctions and military action. The council’s five permanent members — the United States, the United Kingdom, China, Russia, and France — each hold veto power.

In the vote count, Bahrain received 186 votes, Congo 183, Liberia 181, Colombia 180, and Latvia 178.

UN Resident Coordinator Gwyn Lewis met with Professor Muhammad Yunus, the Chief Advisor of the Interim Government, on Tuesday at Jamuna.

During the meeting, Lewis praised the government's strong cooperation and held extensive discussions with Professor Yunus regarding Bangladesh’s development progress. They explored how the United Nations could provide comprehensive support to strengthen the government’s ambitious reform initiatives.

The two also addressed the ongoing Rohingya crisis and the financial challenges it poses. Both expressed deep concern over the significant reduction in funding, which is affecting education and other essential programs.

On the occasion of UN Peacekeeping Day, General Walker-uz-Zaman, the Chief of Army Staff of Bangladesh, said that Bangladesh’s contribution to global peacekeeping has earned international recognition, and the country remains steadfastly committed to maintaining world peace. He paid tribute to 168 brave soldiers and police officers who lost their lives while serving in various peacekeeping missions. Currently, 5,180 Bangladeshi peacekeepers are deployed across nine peacekeeping missions worldwide. General Zaman also noted that 3,645 women from the Bangladesh Armed Forces and Police have successfully participated in peacekeeping missions, with 444 women currently serving in these roles.

To ensure transparent, inclusive, and peaceful elections in Bangladesh, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has launched a three-year project in collaboration with the Economic Relations Division and the Election Commission. Signed on Wednesday, the 2025–2027 project will be implemented in two phases: the first focusing on urgent electoral support, including technical preparation and voter outreach, and the second on post-election democratic institution strengthening and electoral reform.

Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus said Bangladesh’s active participation in UN peacekeeping missions showcases the country’s unwavering commitment to global peace and stability. “Bangladesh believes in a culture of peace, tolerance, and humanity,” he noted on the occasion of International Peacekeepers’ Day. He expressed hope that Bangladeshi peacekeepers will continue to uphold the nation’s image through professionalism, courage, and integrity.

Speaking at the 22nd session of the UN High-Level Committee on South-South Cooperation, Ambassador Salahuddin Noman Chowdhury urged for robust international collaboration to recover assets illicitly transferred from developing countries. He stressed the need for collective political will grounded in global justice and trust. He also noted that least developed countries should be gradually transitioned out of their current special privileges to ensure sustainable progress.

The United Nations Refugee Agency has reported that two separate boat accidents off the coast of Myanmar’s Rakhine State have left 427 Rohingya people missing. On May 9, a motorized boat carrying 267 Rohingyas capsized after setting off from the Arakan coast, with only 66 survivors. On May 10, another wooden motorboat carrying 247 people also sank shortly after departure; only 21 passengers survived. The intended destinations of the vessels remain unknown.