Bangladesh has been elected a member of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) for the next three years in an election that took place in New York on Friday.

‘Bangladesh has so far won thrice 2009-2012, 2015-2017 and 2019-2021 during the tenures of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina,’ State Minister for Foreign Affairs M Shahriar Alam told UNB.

Bangladesh bagged 178 votes in the election where the members of the UN General Assembly voted, he said, reports the UNB.

The State Minister also said the election result signifies international community’s trust and confidence in Bangladesh.

He said the HRC is active on Rohingya issue and an accountability mechanism is in the process through HRC. ‘Bangladesh’s presence in the HRC is extremely important.’

Bangladesh will serve as the UN rights body member for the 2019-21 tenure, he said.

‘It is an important milestone for the country,’ the State Minister added.

He also said that Bangladesh (178 votes) secured more votes than Bahrain and Philippines (165 votes).

The Human Rights Council is an inter-governmental body within the United Nations system responsible for strengthening the promotion and protection of human rights around the globe and for addressing situations of human rights violations and make recommendations on them.

It has the ability to discuss all thematic human rights issues and situations that require its attention throughout the year. It meets at the UN Office at Geneva.

The Council is made up of 47 United Nations Member States which are elected by the UN General Assembly.

The Human Rights Council replaced the former United Nations Commission on Human Rights.