Irene Zubaida Khan Assumes Role as Bangladesh Permanent Representative to the United Nations

Internationally recognized human rights advocate Irene Zubaida Khan has officially assumed her role as the new Permanent Representative of Bangladesh to the United Nations.

Khan presented her credentials to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres at the UN headquarters in New York on Friday. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Dhaka confirmed the appointment in a press release issued on Saturday, marking the formal commencement of her tenure.

With a career spanning several decades, Khan brings extensive international experience in human rights, international law, refugee protection, the rule of law, and sustainable development. Her professional background includes holding significant leadership roles within the United Nations and various international organizations.

Prior to this appointment, Khan served as the UN Special Rapporteur for the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression, a role she held since 2020. From 2001 to 2009, she served as the Secretary General of Amnesty International, becoming the first woman to lead the organization in its history.

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Between 2012 and 2019, Khan served as the Director-General of the International Development Law Organization. Her career also includes a 21-year tenure at the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, where she held key positions including Chief of Mission in India and Deputy Director of the Division of International Protection.

In recognition of her contributions to human rights and peace, Khan was awarded the Sydney Peace Prize in 2006. She is the author of the book “The Unheard Truth: Poverty and Human Rights.” Khan holds law degrees from the University of Manchester and Harvard Law School.