Law Adviser Dr Asif Nazrul on Saturday said a truly independent and accountable Human Rights Commission can only thrive when it is free from political influence and rooted in citizen participation.
He made the remarks while speaking at a meeting in Cox’s Bazar as the government of Bangladesh unveiled the draft National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) Ordinance 2025, marking a significant step forward in the country’s commitment to human rights protection and alignment with international standards.
The new draft ordinance, designed to replace the NHRC Act 2009, seeks to enhance the Commission’s independence, inclusivity, and accountability.
It seeks to align the NHRC’s mandate with relevant parts of the Paris Principles and addresses key recommendations from the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI), said UNDP.
The event, titled ‘Stakeholder Consultation on the Reform of the National Human Rights Commission Act 2009’, was organised by the Legislative and Parliamentary Affairs Division under the Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) through its Strengthening Institutions, Policies and Services (SIPS) Programme, with support from the Embassy of Switzerland.
Housing and Public Works Adviser Adilur Rahman Khan said a truly independent and inclusive Human Rights Commission is essential if Bangladesh is to meet international standards and restore public trust.
Resident Representative of UNDP Bangladesh Stefan Liller said within the broader UN family, governance and the promotion of human rights are core areas of expertise for UNDP. "We remain committed to supporting the people of Bangladesh in shaping a stronger and more effective National Human Rights Commission," he said.
Reform of state’s three organs essential to uphold human rights: Asif Nazrul
Liller said they are honoured to be among the partners of choice in advancing these reforms at a pivotal moment in Bangladesh’s history.
Ambassador of Switzerland to Bangladesh Reto Renggli said amending the National Human Rights Commission Act is crucial to ensuring the Commission’s independence, efficiency and credibility.
"A stronger institution will not only better protect citizens’ rights but also build trust, strengthen accountability and reinforce Bangladesh’s democratic principles," he said.
Ambassador of Sweden to Bangladesh Nicolas Weeks highlighted Sweden’s continued support and said strong and independent human rights institutions are the backbone of democratic societies.
"Sweden stands with Bangladesh in this reform process, which is vital for safeguarding human rights, strengthening the rule of law, and advancing inclusive development," said the Swedish envoy.
Earlier, Barrister Tanim Hussain Shawon, Special Consultant, Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, presented the keynote on ‘Overview of the Proposed NHRC Ordinance 2025’.
Iftikhar Syed Ali, Human Rights Officer, UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), Cox’s Bazar, shared the UN’s position paper on the current law submitted in early September.
Among others, Romana Schweiger, Senior Rule of Law, Justice and Security Advisor, UNDP Bangladesh, and Justice Moyeenul Islam Chowdhury, Chairman of the Commission of Inquiry on Enforced Disappearances, spoke at the event.
The Cox’s Bazar consultation follows earlier rounds in Sylhet and Khulna, with further divisional consultations planned nationwide ahead of a divisional consultation in the north and the National Dialogue in Dhaka.
The recommendations gathered will inform the final amendments to the NHRC Act 2009.
Members of the public are invited to share their opinions or comments on the draft National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) Ordinance 2025 by 18 September at [email protected]