Bangladesh renewed its pledge to strengthen justice, equality, and fundamental freedoms as the Legislative and Parliamentary Affairs Division (LPAD) of the Ministry of Law and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), with support from the Embassy of Switzerland, marked Human Rights Day 2025 with a high-level national discussion in Dhaka on Wednesday.
Senior government officials, development partners, civil society leaders, rights advocates, academics, and representatives from the judiciary and media gathered to assess the current human rights landscape and chart the way forward.
This year’s commemoration highlighted fresh momentum for institutional reforms, particularly the long-awaited overhaul of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) through the NHRC Ordinance 2025—a key step in aligning national frameworks with international human rights standards. Speakers called unanimously for the swift appointment of NHRC commissioners to operationalize the reforms.
Delivering special remarks, Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Adviser Dr Asif Nazrul said strengthened institutions, legal reforms, and committed partnerships were vital for guaranteeing citizens’ dignity, freedom, and access to justice.
“True progress comes when laws are implemented effectively,” he said. “Together, we can build a Bangladesh where justice has no fear, dignity has no price, and human rights have no enemy.”
Environment, Forest and Climate Change Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan, noted that Bangladesh had begun moving away from its “darkest days of human rights violations” and was now on a path requiring time, determination, and leadership.
Housing and Public Works Adviser Adilur Rahman Khan commended the law ministry for fast-tracking human-rights centered reforms. “True progress is measured by laws that serve the people and by a state that stands united with its citizens,” he said, expressing hope for a more democratic, people-centered future.
UNDP Resident Representative Stefan Liller reaffirmed the organization’s continued support for Bangladesh’s justice sector reforms, emphasizing that the NHRC Ordinance lies at the heart of efforts to bring national systems closer to global standards. “The UN and UNDP remain steadfast partners in Bangladesh’s journey from painful lessons to a future where rights are both declared and delivered,” he said.
Representing the Embassy of Switzerland, Alberto Giovanetti, Counsellor and Head of Political, Economic and Communications Affairs, praised the inclusive and evidence-based approach behind the reform process. “Our commitment is to help ensure that these reforms translate into real protection, justice, and dignity for all citizens,” he said.
Among the distinguished participants were Dr Hafiz Ahmed Chowdhury, Secretary, LPAD; Dr Iftekharuzzaman, Executive Director, Transparency International Bangladesh; Anowarul Haq, Assistant Resident Representative, UNDP Bangladesh; Justice Moyeenul Islam Chowdhury, Chair of the Commission of Enforced Disappearance; Ben Buckland, Senior Advisor, Association for the Prevention of Torture; Prof Dr Muhammad Ekramul Haque, Dean of the Faculty of Law at the University of Dhaka; Rani Yan Yan, Indigenous Human Rights Defender; and Shireen Pervin Huq, Founding Member of Naripokkho.
The program featured thematic discussions on operationalizing the NHRC Ordinance, preventing torture, improving access to remedies, and enhancing civil society participation. Experts stressed the importance of sustaining human rights progress beyond the current transitional period.
In closing, UNDP reiterated its commitment to supporting Bangladesh in building strong, accountable, and people-centered institutions capable of upholding the rights enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
The event marked Human Rights Day with a clear message: Bangladesh’s journey toward justice and protection for all must be accelerated—and the time to act is now.
