TIB criticises move to repeal, suspend key ordinances on judiciary and rights
TIB warned that suspending the Human Rights Commission ordinance could create uncertainty around the establishment of an effective rights body
Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has expressed "deep disappointment" over recommendations to repeal two ordinances related to judicial independence and suspend another concerning the National Human Rights Commission, urging the government to place them in Parliament in their original form.
In a statement issued yesterday, TIB also called for other ordinances recommended for suspension – including those related to the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), Police Commission and Right to Information – to be reviewed with stakeholder input and enacted without delay.
TIB Executive Director Dr Iftekharuzzaman said several of the 133 ordinances promulgated during the interim government marked progress in strengthening democratic and institutional foundations.
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"Among the 133 ordinances promulgated during the tenure of the interim government, a few marked significant progress in strengthening the country's democratic and institutional foundations. These include the Supreme Court Judges Appointment Ordinance, the Supreme Court Secretariat Ordinance, and the Human Rights Commission Ordinance," he said.
Questioning the rationale behind the latest recommendations, he said, "What message does the government intend to convey by repealing and suspending these three ordinances?"
He also referred to commitments on judicial independence, saying, "Regarding the assurance of judicial independence, the ruling party's election manifesto pledged to 'ensure effective independence of the judiciary… and further strengthen a separate secretariat under the control of the Supreme Court for judicial reform.' Is this the reflection of that commitment?"
TIB warned that suspending the Human Rights Commission ordinance could create uncertainty around the establishment of an effective rights body.
"The strong possibility of establishing an effective Human Rights Commission has now been placed in a state of concerning uncertainty due to the suspension of the ordinance," Iftekharuzzaman said.
He added that the absence of an effective Human Rights Commission, an independent judiciary and safeguards against enforced disappearances could worsen conditions for citizens.
TIB also raised concerns over the decision to keep ordinances related to preventing enforced disappearances under review.
"If there are any inherent weaknesses in the law, those can certainly be addressed. However, using the pretext of review to provide opportunities or immunity to parties involved in enforced disappearances and killings… would not only be self-defeating but also amount to stepping backwards," he said.
On the Anti-Corruption Commission ordinance, TIB urged revisions in line with recommendations agreed upon by political parties, including provisions for "an independent selection and review committee" to ensure full independence of the ACC. It also called for bringing private sector corruption under the law.
The organisation further recommended repealing the Police Commission Ordinance, stating that it does not ensure an independent and neutral body necessary for a professional and people-oriented police force.
TIB also called for revising the Right to Information (Amendment) Ordinance, 2026, particularly provisions related to the definition of information, jurisdiction and the appointment and tenure of commissioners.
It urged the government to form an effective Information Commission with impartial and competent individuals.
TIB said all ordinances, including those recommended for suspension, should be reviewed through consultations with experts and stakeholders and enacted into law without delay.
