Irene Khan Appointed Bangladesh’s Permanent Representative to UN with State Minister Rank

The government has appointed internationally acclaimed human rights activist Irene Khan as the new Permanent Representative and Ambassador of Bangladesh to the United Nations, granting her the status of a State Minister.

The Cabinet Division issued an official gazette notification to this effect on Wednesday (July 8), confirming that Khan will enjoy the rank, salary, allowances, and all ancillary privileges of a State Minister during her tenure.

Irene Khan succeeds Salahuddin Noman Chowdhury, the current Permanent Representative of Bangladesh to the UN. This high-profile appointment is seen as a strategic move by Dhaka to elevate its diplomatic presence and leverage international expertise on the global stage.

Prior to this appointment, Khan has been serving as the UN Human Rights Council's Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression. She also holds the distinction of being the former Secretary-General of Amnesty International, the UK-based global human rights organization. Her extensive background in international diplomacy and human rights advocacy is expected to significantly bolster Bangladesh's multilateral diplomacy.