Prominent citizens on Wednesday urged the government to pass the National Human Rights Commission Ordinance, 2025 as law during the first session of the new parliament, saying necessary amendments could be introduced later if required.
The call came at a dialogue titled “National Human Rights Commission Ordinance, 2025: Expectations from the New Government,” organized by the Citizen’s Platform for SDGs, Bangladesh, at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Center in Dhaka.
The event was chaired by Dr. Debapriya Bhattacharya, convener of the Citizen’s Platform and distinguished fellow at the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD). Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed attended as the chief guest.
Other attendees included economist Prof. Rehman Sobhan, MP and freedom fighter Advocate Md. Fazlur Rahman, Barrister Rumin Farhana, human rights activist Khushi Kabir, Barrister Sara Hossain, Advocate Subrata Chowdhury, Nagorik Oikya President Mahmudur Rahman Manna, and Advocate Ahmed Azam Khan.
Speaking at the event, Debapriya Bhattacharya said the time had come to implement the ordinance and emphasized the need for stronger voices both inside and outside parliament in support of the move.
He noted that the interim government issued the ordinance in its final stage and later amended it before forming the Human Rights Commission, which is currently functioning.
“Even if the ordinance is passed, it may still contain shortcomings. But if we try to correct everything within this short time, it may not be possible to pass it at all,” he said, adding that the ordinance could be adopted now and amended later if necessary.
Human rights activist Khushi Kabir said it was important to pass the ordinance in parliament, noting that many recommendations from civil society had already been incorporated.
However, Mahmudur Rahman Manna, president of Nagorik Oikya, said he was not opposed to passing the ordinance but believed it should not be adopted “as it is” without further consideration.
Most speakers expressed support for passing the ordinance as law. Barrister Rumin Farhana, MP, said that although not all ordinances need to become law, this particular ordinance should be passed by parliament.
