Irene Khan to become Bangladesh's next permanent representative to the UN

Sources say he may take up his duties in New York before the upcoming session of the United Nations General Assembly.

It is learned that the decision to appoint him was taken as part of the government's ongoing diplomatic reshuffle.

Irene Khan is one of Bangladesh's most well-known figures on the international stage. He served as Secretary General of Amnesty International from 2001 to 2009. Later, he served as Director General of the International Development Law Organization.

Since 2020, he has been serving as the UN Special Rapporteur on freedom of expression.

According to sources at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Irene Khan's international experience, long-standing work on human rights, and close engagement with the UN system will help strengthen Bangladesh's diplomatic activities in New York.

In particular, Bangladesh is set to preside over the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly this year. In this context, his potential appointment is seen as significant by those concerned.

If he takes up the post, Irene Khan will succeed Bangladesh's current permanent representative to the UN, Salahuddin Noman Chowdhury.