Irene Khan receives portfolio of a State Minister
Irene Khan, newly appointed Permanent Representative and Ambassador of Bangladesh to the United Nations. Photo: Collected.
The government has appointed human rights activist Irene Khan as the Permanent Representative and Ambassador of Bangladesh to the United Nations in New York. Following her appointment, she has been given the status of a State Minister. A notification to this effect was issued by the Cabinet Division today, Wednesday, granting her the portfolio of a State Minister.
The notification states that Irene Khan will receive the salary, allowances, and associated benefits of a State Minister during her tenure in this post.
Irene Khan has succeeded Salahuddin Noman Chowdhury, the current Permanent Representative of Bangladesh to the UN.
Irene Khan studied at the University of Manchester and Harvard Law School. Currently, she is teaching at the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies in Geneva.
From 2001 to 2009, she served as Secretary-General of the international human rights organization Amnesty International. She was the first woman, first Asian, and first Muslim Secretary-General of the organization. Under her leadership, Amnesty International launched major global campaigns against violence against women and girls.
From 2012 to 2019, she served as the head of the International Development Law Organization (IDLO). For her unique contributions to the field of human rights, she has received various international awards, including the Sydney Peace Prize in 2006.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs believes that Irene Khan's extensive experience in the international arena, along with her expertise in human rights and international law, will further strengthen Bangladesh's position in multilateral forums. She will play an important role in effectively presenting Bangladesh's stance on various global issues and further dynamizing the country's diplomatic activities—as mentioned in the official Do Letter (office order/note).
The letter also requested the cooperation of the Ministry of Public Administration to complete the process of Irene Khan's appointment.
