Desk Report: A new chapter in Bangladesh's engagement with the United Nations on human rights began on Sunday, as the newly appointed Chief of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Mission in Bangladesh presented her credentials at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Dhaka.Ms. Sabine Magdalena Lauber presented her credentials to Humaiun Kobir, State Minister for Foreign Affairs, at the ministry on Sunday. With this formal presentation, she has officially assumed office as the first Chief of the OHCHR Mission in Bangladesh.Welcoming Ms. Lauber and congratulating her on assuming office, State Minister Kobir reaffirmed Bangladesh's resolve to engage constructively with OHCHR. He said the government remains committed to strengthening democracy, promoting good governance and the rule of law, and safeguarding human rights and fundamental freedoms, including freedom of expression and freedom of the press. He also underscored the importance of building strong institutions through legal and institutional reforms.The meeting at the Foreign Ministry was not only ceremonial. It also set the tone for how Dhaka wants to work with the UN human rights office in the coming years. State Minister Kobir called upon the OHCHR Mission to ensure that its programmes and activities remain aligned with the government's priorities. He assured Ms. Lauber of the government's full support and cooperation in discharging her responsibilities in Bangladesh.The discussion also covered Bangladesh's continued engagement with the UN Special Procedures Mandate Holders. The two sides exchanged views on the forthcoming visits of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar and the Special Rapporteur on the Right to Education. The Myanmar issue remains particularly sensitive for Bangladesh, which continues to host a large Rohingya population, while education remains central to the country's development and rights agenda.In response, Ms. Lauber expressed appreciation for the government's constructive engagement and reaffirmed OHCHR's readiness to support Bangladesh's efforts to promote and protect human rights and strengthen relevant institutions. She also outlined her priorities and planned activities during her tenure and emphasised the importance of continued dialogue and cooperation with the Government of Bangladesh.The OHCHR Mission in Bangladesh was established under a three-year Memorandum of Understanding signed between the Government of Bangladesh and OHCHR in July 2025. Ms. Lauber's appointment as its first chief marks the operational start of a mission that is expected to work closely with the government, state institutions and other stakeholders.For the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the meeting signals Dhaka's effort to keep human rights dialogue open, structured and cooperative, while ensuring that international engagement supports national priorities and institutional reform.