Dhaka, April 13 (NationPress) A group of notable citizens in Bangladesh has voiced their outrage and disapproval regarding the national Parliament's recent choice to annul several reform ordinances. They argue that this decision not only overlooks the expectations of the public but also contradicts the promises made by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) government. Critics have warned that such actions could jeopardize reform initiatives and raise doubts about the government's commitment to its own pledges, as reported by local news outlets.

The reaction followed Parliament's approval on April 9 of the National Human Rights Commission (Repeal and Reinstatement) Bill, the Supreme Court Judges Appointment (Repeal) Bill, and the Supreme Court Secretariat (Repeal) Bill.

In a united declaration, 31 esteemed citizens pointed out that civil society and the populace have long advocated for the enactment of these ordinances, in addition to actions addressing enforced disappearances and safeguarding the right to information.

They highlighted that a special committee from the 13th Parliament had proposed to pass 98 out of 133 ordinances without modification, while suggesting that certain reform-related ordinances be repealed and reintroduced later in revised forms, as reported by The Daily Star.

The signatories characterized this decision as a “rejection of the people's aspirations”.

They emphasized that the repeal of ordinances tied to “essential reforms, judiciary independence, and human rights protection” was made in disregard of public demands and despite the strong resistance from the opposition.

“This contradicts the current government’s electoral manifesto and their repeated commitments. We express our strong dissent,” the statement read.

The citizens also condemned the proposals to place the Right to Information (Amendment) Ordinance and the Enforced Disappearance Prevention and Remedy Ordinance under further examination, labeling such actions as “undesirable.”

Concerning the Human Rights Commission, they remarked that various governments have promised to enhance its effectiveness but have consistently failed to do so.

The signatories argued that the existing legislation requires urgent updates to align with international standards and that enacting the ordinance could have provided adequate remedies for victims while empowering the commission to tackle human rights offenders.

They also reminded that the ruling party had pledged in its manifesto to strengthen the Supreme Court Secretariat, warning that repealing this measure could compromise judicial independence and increase executive influence over subordinate courts, as noted by The Daily Star.

They urged the government to proceed with the ordinances in Parliament, stating, “Otherwise, it is certain that the people will vocally protest and initiate active campaigns.”