UN, rights experts press Bangladesh for stronger, independent torture oversight

Human rights experts, government officials and UN representatives have urged Bangladesh to ensure full independence and accountability in its upcoming torture-prevention mechanism, stressing that legal reforms alone will not end custodial abuse without strong political commitment.

The call was made today (9 December) at a seminar titled "Operationalisation of the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture (OPCAT) in Bangladesh," jointly organised by the Embassy of Switzerland, the UN Human Rights Office (OHCHR) Mission in Bangladesh and BRAC University's School of Law. The event was held at the BRAC University auditorium, said a press release.

The discussion comes months after Bangladesh ratified OPCAT, which requires the creation of an independent National Preventive Mechanism (NPM) to monitor detention facilities and prevent torture.

Speaking as the chief guest, Asif Nazrul, adviser to the Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, said ratifying OPCAT marked "not the end but the beginning of justice." He noted that the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) Ordinance 2025 has already been gazetted and that the government will soon constitute the new NPM.

Swiss Ambassador Reto Renggli praised Bangladesh for taking an important step toward strengthening torture-prevention safeguards. He added that Switzerland's entry into the UN Human Rights Council this year, as Bangladesh completes its term, creates new scope for collaboration to turn international commitments into concrete reforms.

BRAC University Pro Vice-Chancellor Professor Arshad Mahmud Chowdhury underscored that the dignity of every person must be upheld "not only in principle but in practice."

Delivering the keynote address, Ben Buckland, senior adviser at the Geneva-based Association for the Prevention of Torture, shared regional examples demonstrating how effective preventive mechanisms reduce the risk of torture.

During the panel discussion, OHCHR Head of Mission (ad interim) Huma Khan emphasised that an independent, effective and accountable NPM is essential to combat torture.

Professor K Shamsuddin Mahmood, dean of BRAC University's School of Law, in his opening remarks, highlighted the urgent need to strengthen human rights protections and accountability structures nationwide.

Saira Rahman Khan, professor at BRAC University and secretary of Odhikar, warned that human rights bodies will remain ineffective if they cannot operate without fear. "Without genuine political will to prevent torture, no mechanism will work," she said.

Representing the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Md Abdul Wadud Akanda, director of the UN Wing, reaffirmed Bangladesh's commitment to meeting its international human rights obligations.

Sazzad Hussain, member of the Commission of Inquiry on Enforced Disappearances, pointed out that victims of enforced disappearance often suffer torture as well, and urged that OPCAT be implemented "in its full essence."

The programme also featured a video message from Victor Zaharia, member of the UN Subcommittee on the Prevention of Torture. The panel was moderated by Md Mostafa Hosain, assistant professor at BRAC University's School of Law, followed by a Q&A session. Alberto Giovanetti, counsellor at the Embassy of Switzerland, served as master of ceremonies.