Govt moving again to create state-controlled 'figurehead' human rights body: TIB
TIB says the draft law had reinstated controversial provisions from the 2009 legislation that previously weakened the commission’s autonomy.
The Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has expressed deep concern over the draft National Human Rights Commission Act 2026, alleging that the government is once again moving toward establishing a "figurehead" human rights commission under state control.
In a statement today (19 May), TIB Executive Director Iftekharuzzaman said several provisions in the proposed law would undermine the independence of the commission and make it dependent on the government and law enforcement agencies when investigating allegations of human rights violations.
"The draft law had reinstated controversial provisions from the 2009 legislation that previously weakened the commission's autonomy," he added.
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According to TIB, the proposed law requires the commission to seek reports or permissions from the government or concerned agencies before investigating allegations against law enforcement bodies, including cases involving enforced disappearances and killings.
"In cases of human rights violations by law enforcement agencies, the commission has once again been made dependent on reports from the government or the heads of those agencies," Iftekharuzzaman said.
He further said the interim government's ordinance had earlier granted the commission powers to directly investigate allegations of enforced disappearances, killings and other abuses allegedly committed under state patronage.
TIB also criticised provisions related to the appointment process for commissioners, alleging that the inclusion of the speaker, law minister, home minister, a ruling party MP and the cabinet secretary in the selection committee could ensure overwhelming control by the ruling party.
The organisation further alleged that the draft law removed safeguards ensuring the commission's institutional independence.
"On one hand, the commission is described as an independent institution; on the other hand, provisions protecting its autonomy have been removed," the statement said.
TIB also raised concerns over the removal of provisions requiring representation from women and ethnic minorities in the commission.
According to the organisation, allowing up to 30% of the commission's staff to come from government service on deputation and permitting serving government officials to become commissioners could effectively place the body under bureaucratic control.
The statement came days after the government presented draft laws on the National Human Rights Commission and enforced disappearances during a consultation meeting held on 17 May.
At the event, Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Md Asaduzzaman said the new draft law aimed to address several limitations in the previous legislation, including setting clearer timeframes for commission activities and introducing provisions for reviewing commission decisions.
The minister also requested stakeholders to submit written recommendations on the draft laws by the first week of June.
