Former Bangladesh Foreign Minister and ex-Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Professor Dr. A. K. Abdul Momen, has written an urgent letter to UN Secretary-General António Guterres, alleging serious procedural violations within the UN human rights system and warning of a deepening democratic crisis in Bangladesh.
The letter, dated 19 November 2025, was also copied to the Commonwealth Secretary-General ahead of her scheduled visit to Dhaka from November 20–24. In it, Dr. Momen calls for immediate international intervention to prevent what he describes as a “dangerous escalation” in Bangladesh’s political environment under the interim government installed after the removal of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in August 2024.
Allegations Against the UN Human Rights Office
One of the most critical elements of Dr. Momen’s letter concerns the actions of UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk.
He alleges that the High Commissioner issued an unapproved and procedurally irregular assessment that was later used—directly or indirectly—in a Bangladeshi court verdict that sentenced Sheikh Hasina to death.
According to Momen, the report:
- was never approved by the UN Human Rights Council,
- was never presented to the Council for review,
- and was subsequently misused in judicial proceedings that carry life-and-death implications.
He warns that such unilateral action “undermines institutional credibility” and risks politicizing UN human rights mechanisms. He urges the UN chief to undertake an urgent review of the report’s origins and its use in legal judgments.
Concerns Over Politicized Justice
Dr. Momen argues that the recent verdict delivered by Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal reflects “political vengeance, not justice,” noting the speed of proceedings and alleged lack of due process.
He calls upon the UN to ensure its institutions are not exploited to legitimize politically motivated actions at a time when Bangladesh is experiencing widespread instability.
Appeal for Commonwealth Intervention
Linking these developments to the upcoming visit of the Commonwealth Secretary-General, Dr. Momen urges the organization to push for:
- the creation of an inclusive, credible electoral process,
- the lifting of all bans on political parties and peaceful assemblies,
- the release of political prisoners and detained journalists,
- deployment of credible international observers, and
- immediate steps to implement the Commonwealth’s Strategic Plan for 2026–2030.
He stresses that excluding major political actors—especially the Awami League, the country’s oldest and largest party—will further damage democratic legitimacy.
A Warning About Bangladesh’s Fragile State
Describing Bangladesh as being “at the edge of deepening crisis,” Dr. Momen warns that without principled and timely engagement from the UN and Commonwealth, the country may slide into prolonged unrest and institutional breakdown.
He reminds the Secretary-General that Bangladesh’s stability has long been tied to adherence to democratic norms and due process—principles he argues are now under severe threat.
The Voice is publishing the full text of Dr. Momen’s letter below as part of its commitment to documenting ongoing concerns raised by leading Bangladeshi and international stakeholders regarding the state of democracy and human rights in the country.
Full Letter Below
H.E. António Guterres
Secretary-General
United Nations Headquarters
New York, USA
19 November 2025
Cc: Secretary General, the Commonwealth Secretariat,
Marlborough House, London
Subject: Urgent Concerns Regarding Procedural Violations, Misuse of UN Reporting, and the Need for a Credible, Fair Democratic Process in Bangladesh
Your Excellency,
I write to you at a moment of grave concern for Bangladesh. Recent developments have raised serious questions about procedural integrity within the UN system, the erosion of judicial fairness, and the rapidly deteriorating democratic space in the country.
1. Concern regarding procedural violations by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights
It is deeply troubling that the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Mr. Volker Türk, issued observations that were then used as a basis for a highly controversial verdict — including a death sentence in Bangladesh.
This report:
* Was not approved by the UN Human Rights Council,
* Was never submitted to the UNHRC for review, and
* Was used in a manner inconsistent with the UN Rules of Procedure.
While we, including your Excellency. have been trying to help strengthen multilateralism such a unilateral action by your High Commissioner, without oversight or endorsement by the Human Rights Council, undermines institutional credibility and risks politicising the UN’s human rights mechanisms. Respect for due process is essential — especially when such reports may directly or indirectly influence life-and-death decisions.
I respectfully request an urgent review of these procedural concerns and the circumstances under which the report was issued and misused.
2. The verdict reflects political vengeance, not justice
The verdict delivered in Bangladesh — including the death sentence against a former Prime Minister — appears to reflect a climate of political vengeance rather than impartial justice. The speed of the proceedings, the nature of the evidence cited, and the reliance on an unapproved UN report raise profound questions about fairness, transparency, and judicial independence.
I urge the United Nations to ensure that no UN institution or office is used, even indirectly, to legitimize politically motivated reprisals or actions that could escalate violence in an already fragile environment.
3. Commonwealth Secretary-General’s visit: an urgent moment for action
As the Commonwealth Secretary-General plans to visit Bangladesh from 20–24 November, this moment presents a crucial opportunity to help restore democratic stability and prevent further deterioration in human rights and public safety.
I strongly appeal for your leadership in urging the Commonwealth Secretary-General to emphasise the following essential steps:
* The immediate creation of a free, fair, transparent, and inclusive electoral process, with participation of all political parties, including the Awami League — the oldest and largest political party in Bangladesh.
* Withdrawal of the ban on political parties, assembly, and rallies, restoring the constitutional right to peaceful political expression.
*. Immediate release of political prisoners, journalists, and civil society members detained under emergency or politically motivated charges.
*. Ensure implementing the Commonwealth Strategic Plan of Action for next 5 years (2026-2030) to promote inclusive and fully participatory democracy involving all democratic stakeholders in the election process and governance,
•* Deployment or support for credible international observers to help restore trust and prevent escalation.
These measures are indispensable for ensuring a stable transition, preventing further violence, and safeguarding the democratic aspirations of the people of Bangladesh.
Dear Secretary General,
This is a critical moment. Bangladesh stands at the edge of deepening crisis. A balanced, rules-based, and principled response from the United Nations and the Commonwealth can help protect lives, restore democratic legitimacy, and prevent a dangerous cycle of instability.
I therefore request your urgent and personal attention — both to the procedural irregularities within the UN system and to the need for immediate international engagement in Bangladesh’s democratic process.
Respectfully,
Professor Dr. A. K. Abdul Momen
Former Foreign Minister of Bangladesh and
Former Permanent Representative of Bangladesh to the United Nations
