17/06/2026
A historic milestone for Bangladesh on the global stage! For the first time since the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Executive Committee's inception in 1959, Bangladesh has assumed the chairmanship of the the Bureau of the Executive Committee (ExCom).
Emerging as the unanimous candidate of the Asia-Pacific Group, Bangladesh was formally seconded by Algeria and Austria representing different regional groups and backed by all 110 member states.
The role was officially assumed in Geneva by Ambassador Nahida Sobhan, a seasoned career diplomat with extensive experience managing the Rohingya response. Her leadership comes at a critical time for the global refugee protection system, which is currently facing record levels of displacement and growing funding constraints.
The Bangladesh Dialogue congratulates Ambassador Nahida Sobhan and the diplomatic team on this remarkable achievement!