Attorney general urges reforms to strengthen National Human Rights Commission

Attorney General Mohammad Asaduzzaman today (11 October) has called for strengthening the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) of Bangladesh, noting that several clauses and sub-clauses in the proposed law remain ambiguous — which could create future administrative conflicts and limit its effectiveness.

Speaking at a consultation meeting on the "National Human Rights Commission Ordinance 2025" held at a hotel in Dhaka, he said the commission must be made more effective and independent.

Highlighting various aspects of the commission, the attorney general said the NHRC has emerged as a research-oriented institution. However, he noted that there are no clear provisions in the law empowering the commission to take direct legal action or file cases independently.

Referring to Section 5 of the draft law, Asaduzzaman said the clause mandates that at least one-third of the commission members must be women, and one must come from ethnic minority or underprivileged communities.

"In the modern age, it is not appropriate to view women as disadvantaged or subordinate. Many may disagree with me, but I believe the selection of members should be based on consensus. Making it mandatory to reserve quotas for women or ethnic groups might create the perception of treating them as subgroups," he said, adding that this was his personal opinion.

Discussing Section 6, which deals with the appointment, tenure, and resignation process of the chairperson and members, he expressed doubt about how effective the application process for such high-level positions would be. 

"It needs to be reconsidered whether independent-minded and principled individuals working in human rights will actually participate in this process," he said. 

He also pointed out that Subsection (5), concerning the determination of seniority among members, is unclear and needs clarification.

According to him, while Section 13 outlines the commission's duties regarding research and recommendations, its power to proactively file cases is not clearly stated. 

"Considering all these aspects, the Human Rights Commission should be made stronger," he added.

At the meeting, Environment Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan said that while courts have often issued important directives, implementation has faced limitations.

"Overall, the current draft ordinance is good — it includes elements such as investigation, recommendations, compensation, training, consultation, arbitration, and mediation. The most urgent issue now is ensuring the commission's effectiveness and capability," she said.

Emphasising that the commission's recommendations should carry not only moral weight but also legal authority, she added, "A legal framework must exist to ensure that decisions taken through arbitration or mediation are enforceable."

Rizwana Hasan also suggested some amendments to the draft, including expanding the definition of "person" to cover government agencies and law enforcement bodies, establishing a dedicated panel of lawyers for the commission, and ensuring close coordination with law enforcement agencies.

Among others, the meeting was addressed by Law Adviser Asif Nazrul; Adviser to the Ministry of Housing and Public Works Adilur Rahman Khan; Attorney General Mohammad Asaduzzaman; Ambassador of Switzerland Reto Siegfried Renggli; Deputy Head of Mission of the Embassy of Denmark Anders B Carlsen; UNDP Bangladesh representatives Stefan Liller and Romana Schweiger; and Secretary of the Legislative and Parliamentary Affairs Division Dr Hafiz Ahmed Chowdhury.