UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk has pledged technical support to help Bangladesh combat a "flood of misinformation" targeting the upcoming February 12 elections.
On January 13, 2026, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk and Chief Adviser Prof. Muhammad Yunus discussed cooperation to tackle misinformation ahead of the February 12 elections. Prof. Yunus also confirmed the reconstitution of the NHRC and shared the final report on enforced disappearances (2009–2024) with the UN.
The offer followed a phone conversation on Tuesday between Türk and Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus. During the call, Prof. Yunus expressed deep concern over the surge of fake news, rumors, and speculation appearing on social media from both local and foreign sources.
“We are concerned about the impact this may have on the elections,” the Chief Adviser told the UN rights chief. Türk responded by affirming that the UN human rights office would work closely with the interim government to address these challenges.
The two leaders also discussed critical institutional reforms. High Commissioner Türk emphasized the need for a “truly independent” National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) to handle ongoing human rights issues.
Prof. Yunus confirmed that the NHRC ordinance has already been promulgated and that the commission would be reconstituted before the February 12 polls. “We will do it before we leave,” he assured.
The Chief Adviser also shared the final report of the Enforced Disappearance Commission with the UN. He described the document as a "crucial" step toward ensuring justice for victims of the autocratic regime that ruled from 2009 to 2024.
The High Commissioner praised the interim government's efforts over the last 18 months and confirmed that his office would continue to support the work of the Enforced Disappearance Commission.
The discussion also touched upon the upcoming constitutional referendum and the current global geopolitical climate. Senior Secretary Lamiya Morshed was also present during the call.
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