Thirteen international human rights organizations have jointly called on the Government of Bangladesh to reconsider the proposed National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) Bill, 2026. They have expressed concerns that the current version of the bill could diminish the commission’s authority and independence, making it merely a symbolic entity without the necessary power to ensure accountability. The organizations emphasized the importance of aligning the bill with international standards to establish a robust and independent commission.
The human rights organizations highlighted the need for stronger oversight mechanisms in Bangladesh to address issues such as enforced disappearances, torture, custodial deaths, extrajudicial killings, and restrictions on civic space. They criticized the proposed bill for potentially weakening the Commission’s effectiveness by limiting its authority and capacity to hold state institutions accountable. The selection committee’s structure, which is expected to be dominated by government officials, has raised concerns about increased political influence over appointments.
According to the signatories of the joint statement, the exclusion of independent figures from the selection committee, as outlined in the 2025 ordinance, is troubling. They noted that the involvement of senior government officials in the appointment process could lead to conflicts of interest, especially when selecting commissioners responsible for investigating government actions. The organizations stressed the importance of maintaining the Commission’s independence and ensuring that it can investigate all state actors without political interference.
Expressing serious reservations, the human rights organizations highlighted the bill’s approach to handling complaints involving law enforcement and security agencies. They pointed out that the proposed legislation could allow these institutions to investigate allegations against themselves, raising concerns about accountability and impartiality. The signatories emphasized the need for a credible National Human Rights Commission that can protect vulnerable communities, investigate all alleged perpetrators, and operate independently of political pressures.
The statement underscored the shortcomings of the NHRC Bill, 2026, in meeting the necessary standards for an effective human rights commission. The organizations called on the government of Bangladesh to make significant amendments to the bill to ensure the Commission’s operational, regulatory, and financial independence. They also urged the establishment of an independent investigative mechanism with oversight over all alleged perpetrators, including members of the security forces. Additionally, they demanded the inclusion of meaningful representation for women, ethnic minorities, and marginalized communities in Bangladesh, as well as the restoration of the Commission’s mandate to safeguard human rights defenders and engage with civil society.
