At least 13 international human rights organisations have jointly called on the Government of Bangladesh to substantially revise the proposed National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) Bill, 2026, warning that the legislation — if enacted in its current form — risks reducing the commission to a largely 'symbolic body' with limited authority and little capacity to hold state institutions accountable. The joint statement was issued on 23 June 2025.

Core Concerns Raised

The organisations stated that the bill moves in the 'opposite direction' at a time when Bangladesh requires stronger oversight mechanisms. They specifically flagged entrenched practices of enforced disappearances, torture, custodial deaths, extrajudicial killings, restrictions on civic space, and attacks on human rights defenders as issues demanding robust institutional oversight — not weaker commissions.

'Unless substantially amended, it risks creating an institution that retains the appearance of a human rights commission while lacking the powers and independence necessary to fulfil its purpose,' the statement stressed.

Selection Committee and Political Influence

A central objection concerns the composition of the selection committee for NHRC commissioners. According to the signatories, the proposed structure would be dominated by government officials — including the ministers of law and home affairs — significantly increasing political influence over appointments.

Notably, the 2025 ordinance had included independent figures such as representatives of the media and ethnic minority communities in the selection process. The new bill removes these safeguards entirely. The groups argued this creates a 'serious conflict of interest', as government representatives would play a central role in selecting commissioners tasked with investigating government conduct.

Security Forces and Self-Investigation Risk

The signatories flagged what they called a particularly 'alarming' aspect of the bill: its treatment of complaints involving law enforcement and security agencies. The proposed bill establishes a procedure under which these institutions would effectively investigate themselves — a mechanism the groups say is fundamentally incompatible with accountability.

'In Bangladesh, many of the most serious human rights violations reported over the past decades — including enforced disappearances, torture, custodial deaths, and extrajudicial killings — have involved allegations against members of the security forces,' the statement noted. The organisations called for an independent investigative mechanism 'with authority over all alleged perpetrators, including members of security forces.'

Key Demands from the Signatories

The 13 organisations outlined several specific demands for the Bangladesh government. They urged the restoration of safeguards guaranteeing the Commission's operational, regulatory, and financial independence. They also called for meaningful representation of women, ethnic minorities, and marginalised communities, as well as the reinstatement of the Commission's mandate to protect human rights defenders and engage with civil society.

A credible National Human Rights Commission, the groups stated, must be able to investigate all state actors, protect vulnerable communities, and act independently of political influence — standards they say the current bill fails to meet.

What Happens Next

The Bangladesh government has not yet issued a formal response to the joint statement. The bill's passage without amendment would likely draw sustained international scrutiny, particularly given the country's ongoing transitions and its obligations under international human rights frameworks. Whether Dhaka revises the legislation will be closely watched by rights bodies and diplomatic missions alike.