TIB slams govt plan to repeal Judicial, human rights ordinances
Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has expressed strong disappointment over the government’s recommendation to repeal key ordinances safeguarding judicial independence and human rights.
The organization has also voiced concern over the suspension of other critical ordinances, including those governing the Anti-Corruption Commission, Police Commission, and Right to Information.
In a statement issued on Friday, TIB Executive Director Dr. Iftekharuzzaman emphasized that the ordinances in question, promulgated during the interim government, represented significant steps toward strengthening democratic and institutional foundations in Bangladesh.
These include the Supreme Court Judges Appointment Ordinance, the Supreme Court Secretariat Ordinance, and the National Human Rights Commission Ordinance.
“Among the 133 ordinances promulgated during the interim government’s tenure, a few marked significant progress in strengthening the country’s democratic and institutional foundations,” Dr. Iftekharuzzaman said.
He questioned the government’s commitment to judicial independence, noting that the ruling party’s election manifesto pledged to ensure “effective independence of the judiciary” and strengthen a separate secretariat for judicial reform.
“Is this repeal reflective of that commitment, or was it merely rhetoric?” he asked.
Dr. Iftekharuzzaman further warned that suspending the Human Rights Commission Ordinance could jeopardize citizens’ access to justice and rights protection.
“The absence of an effective Human Rights Commission, an independent judiciary, and provisions to prevent enforced disappearances could make people’s lives extremely difficult,” he said, highlighting the risks to citizens and the self-defeating nature of the move for political parties in Parliament, many of which have historically suffered rights violations.
The TIB also questioned the review of ordinances related to enforced disappearances, warning that using the review process to provide immunity for security forces or weaken legal protections would represent a regression from prior commitments to human rights.
On the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) Ordinance, Dr. Iftekharuzzaman called for revisions in line with recommendations of the ACC Reform Commission included in the July Charter, urging the inclusion of an independent selection and review committee to guarantee ACC independence.
He also emphasized extending anti-corruption oversight to the private sector.
Regarding the Police Commission Ordinance, TIB criticized the law for failing to ensure a neutral and independent police force.
The organization stressed the need for an effective Information Commission and revisions to the Right to Information (Amendment) Ordinance, 2026, including definitions of information, jurisdiction, and appointment criteria for commissioners.
Dr. Iftekharuzzaman concluded by urging that all ordinances, including those recommended for suspension, be reviewed with expert and stakeholder input and promptly enacted into law, rather than being delayed or weakened.
“TIB calls on the government to place these ordinances before Parliament in their original form and ensure their implementation without further delay,” he said.
