Law Adviser Dr Asif Nazrul has said that the new National Human Rights Commission Ordinance 2025 aims to end decades of human rights violations in Bangladesh. He made the remarks on Saturday while speaking as the chief guest at a consultation meeting on the ordinance at the Baywatch Hotel in Cox’s Bazar.
The meeting was organized by the Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs with support from the UNDP.
Asif said that during the Awami League government’s 15-year tenure, human rights were routinely violated, compounded by legal shortcomings. “Even the High Court often appeared to favor violators of human rights,” he noted, adding that officials responsible for overseeing human rights had, both domestically and internationally, made statements supporting such violations.
He added that the interim government seeks to make the National Human Rights Commission independent and autonomous, enabling it to investigate enforced disappearances, killings, and other human rights violations without interference.
Industry and Public Works Adviser Adilur Rahman Khan, speaking as a special guest at the meeting, stressed the importance of the ordinance in moving beyond “15 years of enforced disappearances, killings, and secret torture cells.” He said that in the past, human rights activists themselves were often disappeared or subjected to abuse.
Adilur added that the government is working to ensure that such widespread misrule, torture, disappearances, and extrajudicial killings never happen again. The new ordinance will give the commission the authority to act independently against government institutions and officials—powers that were absent under the previous law.
The draft also includes provisions for enacting a separate law to prevent enforced disappearances and killings, further strengthening the commission’s role in human rights protection. If promulgated under the president’s authority, the ordinance will be implemented during the current interim government’s tenure, with the process set to begin immediately.
Stefan Liller, resident representative of UNDP Bangladesh, said in his opening remarks, “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 added, “We are honored to be among your partners of choice in advancing these reforms at a pivotal moment in Bangladesh’s history.”
Reto Renggli, ambassador of Switzerland to Bangladesh, 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.”
Nicolas Weeks, ambassador of Sweden to Bangladesh, highlighted Sweden’s continued support, “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.”
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, also addressed the consultation.
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.
Members of the public were invited to share their opinions or comments on the draft National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) Ordinance 2025 by 18 September at the following email address shafaet.hossen@yahoo.com.