Call for Stronger Justice and Rights Protections on Human Rights Day

Commemorating Human Rights Day 2025, the Legislative and Parliamentary Affairs Division (LPAD) of the Ministry of Law, in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and supported by the Embassy of Switzerland in Bangladesh, organised a discussion in Dhaka today on the current state of human rights and priorities for the way forward.

Senior government officials, development partners, civil society representatives and human rights advocates attended the event to reaffirm commitments to justice, equality and the protection of fundamental rights.

The commemoration highlighted renewed momentum behind institutional reforms, including the long-awaited restructuring of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) through the Ordinance 2025, aimed at aligning the institution with international standards. Speakers unanimously called for the swift appointment of new commissioners.

Delivering special remarks, Dr Asif Nazrul, Adviser to the Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, said: "With strengthened institutions, legal reforms and committed partnerships, we are ensuring that every citizen's dignity, freedom and access to justice are protected. True progress comes when laws are implemented effectively."

Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Adviser to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, said: "We have begun the journey from the darkest days of human rights violations toward meaningful progress — a process that demands time, dedication and strong leadership."

Adviser to the Ministry of Housing and Public Works Adilur Rahman Khan said: "I commend the Ministry of Law for implementing human rights–centred reforms in such a short time. True progress is measured by laws that serve the people and a state that stands united with its citizens."

UNDP Resident Representative Stefan Liller reaffirmed UNDP's commitment, saying: "Our reform support has aimed to bring Bangladesh's institutional and legal frameworks into closer alignment with international standards. Central to this effort is the new Ordinance reforming the NHRC."

Alberto Giovanetti, Counsellor and Head of Political, Economic and Communications Affairs at the Embassy of Switzerland, said Switzerland commends all stakeholders for advancing a consultative, evidence-based process to strengthen reforms such as the NHRC Ordinance 2025.

Among others, Dr Hafiz Ahmed Chowdhury, Secretary, LPAD; Dr Iftekharuzzaman, Executive Director of Transparency International Bangladesh; Anowarul Haq, Assistant Resident Representative, UNDP Bangladesh; Justice Moyeenul Islam Chowdhury, Chair of the Commission of Enforced Disappearance; Ben Buckland, Senior Advisor, Association for the Prevention of Torture; Professor Dr Muhammad Ekramul Haque, Dean, Faculty of Law, University of Dhaka; Indigenous human rights defender Rani Yan Yan; and Naripokkho founding member Shireen Pervin Huq attended the event.

The programme also featured expert sessions on operationalising the NHRC Ordinance, preventing torture, improving access to remedies, and strengthening civil society engagement. Speakers from academia, the judiciary, media and human rights organisations outlined priorities to sustain progress beyond the interim period.

Closing the event, UNDP reiterated its commitment to supporting Bangladesh in building strong, accountable and people-centred institutions that uphold the rights of all citizens.