Dhaka, March 12 (NationPress) Bangladesh stands at a pivotal moment to create a National Human Rights Commission that fully adheres to the Paris Principles. This would involve forming an independent and pluralistic body with a comprehensive mandate, transparent selection processes, and significant engagement with civil society.

This commission aims to fulfill the long-desired expectations of the Bangladeshi populace, thereby strengthening the nation's dedication to human rights, enhancing public trust, and fostering democratic governance and justice, according to a report released on Thursday.

As detailed in a leading Bangladeshi newspaper, The Daily Star, the newly elected parliament of Bangladesh, which commenced its first session on Thursday, will witness the government led by Tarique Rahman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party presenting critical ordinances that were enacted during the tenure of the previous interim government led by Mohammad Yunus. This includes the upcoming National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) Ordinance, 2025.

“With participation from over 600 stakeholders, including national experts, international entities such as the United Nations, and a diverse range of civil society groups, the drafting of this ordinance has been marked by unprecedented inclusivity. This extensive engagement underscores the need to rectify the shortcomings of the 2009 law and highlights that a responsive NHRC must possess the requisite authority and independence to effectively safeguard rights in Bangladesh,” the report elaborated.

“The consideration of the NHRC ordinance emerges at a crucial juncture in the nation’s democratic evolution and institutional revitalization. The National Human Rights Commission plays a vital role in that renewal. The current government and parliament have the chance to empower the commission by ratifying the ordinance and addressing essential proposals raised by various stakeholders to ensure its independence, credibility, and service to all Bangladeshis,” it indicated.

The report emphasizes that a robust NHRC, accountable primarily to the citizens, is not merely a peripheral entity; it is fundamental to democratic governance, the rule of law, and public trust. It can serve as a vital link between the citizens and the state by monitoring and investigating human rights conditions, advising on legislation, supporting victims, and promoting accountability.

“The current iteration of the ordinance empowers the commission with clearer capabilities to advance and protect human rights, manage complaints, conduct investigations, inspect detention facilities, and pursue remedies. Additionally, it designates the NHRC as the national preventive mechanism under the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture (OPCAT), a significant responsibility that necessitates the assurance of adequate independence and resources,” it stated.

The report further notes, “National human rights institutions, such as the NHRC, should be established through either constitutional or legislative frameworks. This necessitates thorough parliamentary deliberation to guarantee that the institution’s mandate, independence, and credibility are entirely secured.”