The Permanent Representative of Bangladesh to the United Nations Office and other International Organisations in Geneva, Ambassador Nahida Sobhan has assumed the role of the Chair of the Bureau of the Executive Committee (ExCom) of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).
This marks a significant milestone as it is the first time Bangladesh has served in the four-member leadership body since the ExCom’s operationalisation in 1959. The Bureau guides the work of the Committee and facilitates global consensus on displacement issues, read a press release.
Bangladesh emerged as the unanimous regional candidate during consultations within the Asia-Pacific Group. The nomination was formally seconded by Algeria and Austria, representing different regional groups, and was subsequently endorsed by all 110 ExCom member states.
The election reflects the international community’s confidence in Bangladesh’s newly elected leadership and its growing influence within the multilateral system.
Ambassador Sobhan is a career diplomat who has previously served in Bangladesh missions in Rome, Kolkata, and Geneva, as well as holding the posts of Ambassador to Jordan and High Commissioner to Canada. Her extensive experience includes serving as Director General of the United Nations Wing at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, where she worked closely with agencies like the UNHCR on the Rohingya response.
She also served as Member Secretary of the National Task Force on Forcibly Displaced Myanmar Nationals (FDMNs), overseeing the coordination of national policies and humanitarian responses for Rohingyas living in Bangladesh.
The assumption of this leadership role is seen as recognition of Bangladesh’s constructive contribution to humanitarian and forced displacement issues. It carries particular weight as the country continues to host approximately 1.3 million forcibly displaced Rohingyas from Myanmar while advocating for their safe, voluntary, dignified, and sustainable return.
Bangladesh takes the chair at a critical juncture for the global refugee protection system, as record levels of displacement and severe funding shortfalls place immense pressure on international response efforts. The country brings the perspective of a nation that has shouldered significant humanitarian responsibility while consistently calling for greater international solidarity and burden-sharing.
The appointment further recognises Bangladesh’s commitment to humanitarian principles and its responsible stewardship of displaced populations.
