Representatives of civil society on Monday urged the government to enact the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) Ordinance 2025 in parliament without any amendments, emphasizing that the ordinance already provides the commission with adequate authority to protect human rights.
The call came during a meeting between the newly appointed commissioners of the NHRC and civil society representatives at the commission’s conference room around noon.
Speaking at the event, Iftekharuzzaman, Executive Director of Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB), said the ordinance grants the commission sufficient jurisdiction to safeguard human rights.
“Therefore, the ordinance should be enacted into law without any changes,” he said, adding that civil society has confidence in the current commission and will continue to support it. He also urged the commission to focus on protecting the rights of marginalized groups, including women, minorities, and persons with disabilities, and recommended formulating a comprehensive strategy to provide remedies in cases of human rights violations.
Dr Debapriya Bhattacharya, distinguished fellow of the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD), said civil society members have prior experience working with the current commissioners.
“We know them personally and are proud of them. We want continuity between the current commission and the NHRC Ordinance,” he said, expressing hope that the commission would operate with integrity and independence.
He added that any shortcomings in the ordinance could be addressed through future amendments. He also stressed the need for the government to appoint an ombudsman and enact an anti-discrimination law.
Khushi Kabir, coordinator of Nijera Kori, said civil society organizations are keen to work collectively with the commission. She noted that organizations will continue efforts to strengthen the NHRC Act in line with the current ordinance and support the commission in achieving “A status” internationally.
“It is unfortunate that Bangladesh’s human rights commission still holds ‘B status’ in South Asia. Achieving ‘A status’ would enhance Bangladesh’s global image,” she said.
Shamsul Huda, executive director of the Association for Land Reform and Development (ALRD), acknowledged that the ordinance may have some shortcomings but reiterated that it should be passed without alterations.
“We want to see the National Human Rights Commission active and functional,” he said.
In his remarks, NHRC Chairperson Justice Moinul Islam Chowdhury highlighted the commissioners’ professional background and public service record as evidence of their commitment to working with sincerity, dedication, and courage within the limits of the law.
“We do not want to remain inactive on the question of protecting human rights. We aim to be supportive, effective, and a trusted institution,” he said, adding that a functional, independent, and credible human rights commission serves the interests of the entire country and safeguards the dignity and rights of citizens.
“In this new era for Bangladesh, if a strong law, an independent structure, and credible implementation are ensured, Bangladesh will soon be able to achieve ‘A status’,” he added.
The meeting, chaired by Justice Moinul Islam Chowdhury and moderated by Commissioner Dr Nabila Idris, included commissioners Md Nur Khan, Prof Md Shariful Islam, and Ilira Dewan. Other attendees included Zakir Hossain, Chief Executive of Nagorik Uddyog; indigenous rights activist Dipayan Khisa; Mabruk Mohammad, adviser at Ain o Salish Kendra; Falguni Tripura of Kapaeeng Foundation; advocate Rafiq Ahmed Siraji, programme manager at ALRD; and Madhab Chandra Dutta, executive director of Swadesh.
Participants raised various issues related to human rights and offered recommendations to strengthen the commission’s work, expressing expectations that the new NHRC would actively address violations and contribute to building a justice-based society.