Civil society pushes for NHRC ordinance to pass without changes
Staff Reporter :
Civil society representatives on Monday urged the government to enact the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) Ordinance 2025 in parliament without any amendments, emphasizing that the current draft already provides the commission with sufficient authority to protect human rights in Bangladesh.
The call came during a meeting between the newly appointed NHRC commissioners and civil society members at the commission’s conference room. Participants highlighted the importance of a strong and independent human rights commission in safeguarding citizens’ rights and enhancing Bangladesh’s international image.
Speaking at the event, Iftekharuzzaman, Executive Director of Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB), said the ordinance grants the NHRC adequate jurisdiction. He urged that it be enacted into law without any changes, noting that civil society has confidence in the current commission and will continue to support its work. He further recommended that the commission focus on protecting the rights of marginalized groups, including women, minorities, and persons with disabilities, and develop a comprehensive strategy to provide remedies in human rights violation cases.
Dr Debapriya Bhattacharya, distinguished fellow of the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD), stressed the need for continuity and integrity within the commission. He said civil society members have prior experience working with the current commissioners and hope the NHRC will operate with independence. Dr Bhattacharya also noted that any shortcomings in the ordinance could be addressed through future amendments, while calling on the government to appoint an ombudsman and enact an anti-discrimination law to strengthen the legal framework.
Khushi Kabir, coordinator of Nijera Kori, expressed civil society’s willingness to collaborate with the NHRC to strengthen human rights protection. She pointed out that Bangladesh’s human rights commission still holds “B status” in South Asia and said achieving “A status” would improve the country’s global standing. Shamsul Huda, executive director of the Association for Land Reform and Development (ALRD), acknowledged minor gaps in the ordinance but reiterated the need for the commission to be active and functional.
NHRC Chairperson Justice Moinul Islam Chowdhury highlighted the professional backgrounds and public service records of the commissioners, emphasizing their commitment to working with sincerity, dedication, and courage. He said the commission aims to be supportive, effective, and trusted, and added that with a strong legal framework, an independent structure, and credible implementation, Bangladesh could soon achieve “A status” internationally.
The meeting, chaired by Justice Chowdhury and moderated by Commissioner Dr Nabila Idris, included commissioners Md Nur Khan, Prof Md Shariful Islam, and Ilira Dewan, along with civil society representatives such as Zakir Hossain of Nagorik Uddyog, indigenous rights activist Dipayan Khisa, Mabruk Mohammad of Ain o Salish Kendra, Falguni Tripura of Kapaeeng Foundation, advocate Rafiq Ahmed Siraji of ALRD, and Madhab Chandra Dutta of Swadesh. Participants raised various human rights issues and offered recommendations to strengthen the commission’s role, expressing expectations that the new NHRC would actively address violations and contribute to building a justice-based society.
