Govt unveils draft NHRC Act to probe public institutions, officials

Staff Reporter :

The Interim Government has unveiled a draft of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) Act 2025, proposing a more independent and empowered body capable of investigating government institutions and officials without interference.

The draft also includes provisions for a separate law aimed at preventing enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings.

The draft legislation was presented at a consultation workshop titled “Stakeholder Consultation on the Reform of the National Human Rights Commission Act, 2009” held at a Hotel in Cox’s Bazar, on Saturday. The event was attended by a range of officials, diplomats, and civil society representatives.

Professor Asif Nazrul, Adviser to the Ministry of Law, Justice, and Parliamentary Affairs, and chief guest of the event, highlighted the importance of a strong human rights body.

“If we fail to establish a strong commission, the consequences are evident from the past 15 years under the Awami League government. Human rights violations, including enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings, were rampant, and the previous law had severe limitations.

This government wants to set a milestone in protecting human rights,” he said.

Reflecting on the July uprising, Prof Nazrul added, “Our goal is to ensure that power does not remain entirely in the hands of the government but is vested in an independent body, which will work relentlessly to uphold people’s rights.”

Reiterating the need for political neutrality and citizen participation, he said, “Only a politically independent, citizen-focused human rights commission can function as a genuinely accountable institution.”

Special guests included Adilur Rahman Khan, Adviser to the Ministry of Industries; Justice Moinul Islam Chowdhury, Chairman of the Enforced
Disappearance Investigation Commission; Swiss Ambassador to Bangladesh Reto Renggli; Swedish Ambassador to Bangladesh Nicholas Yux; and UNDP Bangladesh Resident Representative Stefan Liller. The draft NHRC Act 2025 was presented by Barister Tanim Hossain, Special Consultant to the Ministry of Law.

Explained the key reforms, Tanim Hossain, stated, “The proposed law will replace the 2009 Act, which had limitations. Previously, the commission could not take direct action against government authorities and was often subjected to executive interference. The draft now allows the commission to investigate and conduct inquiries independently. It also proposes a seven-member committee, with members enjoying benefits equivalent to government officials.”

Emphasising the necessity of the reform, Adilur Rahman Khan said, “The commission’s role during the July uprising was deplorable. Human rights violations, however, cannot be stopped without a permanent, empowered institution.”

“An independent and inclusive human rights commission is essential for restoring public confidence and meeting international norms,” he said.
According to UNDP Bangladesh, the draft NHRC Act 2025 has been designed to align fully with the Paris Principles and incorporate recommendations from the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions.

Stefan Liller said, “Governance, development, and human rights protection remain UNDP’s priorities. We stand with the people of Bangladesh to help establish a strong and effective human rights commission.”
“Reforming the NHRC to enhance its independence, effectiveness, and legitimacy is crucial. A strong commission will protect citizens’ rights, improve accountability, and strengthen democracy,” Ambassador Reto Renggli said.

Ambassador Nicholas Wicks observed, “Independent human rights institutions are the cornerstone of democratic societies. We fully support Bangladesh’s reform initiatives aimed at protecting human rights, strengthening the rule of law, and promoting inclusive development.”
Earlier, similar consultation workshops were held in Sylhet and Khulna, with more planned at divisional levels, culminating in a national dialogue in Dhaka to finalize the draft amendments.

The government has invited public feedback on the NHRC Draft Act 2025, which should be sent by September 18, 2025, to [email protected].