The Council of Advisers at a meeting on Thursday approved a proposal for Bangladesh’s accession to the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (OP-CAT).

The 33rd meeting of the Council of Advisers, chaired by Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus, was held at the Chief Adviser’s Office.

The protocol was adopted in 2002, with the aim of strengthening protection against torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.

Bangladesh became a State Party to the original Convention in 1998, said the Cabinet Division after the meeting.

The Council of Advisers also approved a proposal to establish a new Consulate General of Bangladesh in Johor Bahru, Malaysia.

Meanwhile, the final approval of the draft Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was given regarding the establishment of the Mission of the ‘Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights’ in Bangladesh.

Council of Advisers discusses ongoing flood situation in Feni, Noakhali

The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights or the UN Human Rights is the leading UN entity on human rights.

The draft ‘Moheshkhali Integrated Development Authority Ordinance, 2025’ was also approved in principle, subject to the vetting of the Legislative and Parliamentary Affairs Division.

The meeting in principle approved the draft ‘Jatiya Krira Oarishad - National Sports Council (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025’, subject to the vetting of the Legislative and Parliamentary Affairs Division.

The issue of recent floods and waterlogging in Feni and Noakhali due to heavy rainfall was discussed in the meeting of Council of Advisers.

The advisers concerned spoke about the flood and the measures taken to deal with the situation.