Government-UNDP and partners hold final consultation on NHRC reform

The Government of Bangladesh advanced human rights protection by presenting the draft National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) Ordinance 2025 at a national consultation in Dhaka today.

The event was convened by the Legislative and Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, with support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) under the Strengthening Institutions, Policies and Services (SIPS) project, funded by the Embassy of Switzerland.

The consultation—the sixth and final in a series—brought together human rights defenders, victims, civil society representatives and minority community leaders to review the draft and ensure that the new NHRC is aligned with the Paris Principles, making it more independent, credible, inclusive and trusted.

Inaugurating the event, Dr Hafiz Ahmed Chowdhury, Secretary of the Legislative and Parliamentary Affairs Division, emphasised that the reform reflects the government's commitment to replacing the NHRC Act 2009 through a participatory process engaging civil society, legal experts, youth and marginalised communities.

Dr Asif Nazrul, Adviser to the Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, said, 'Legal clarity and public trust are the pillars of a credible NHRC. This reform is an opportunity to establish a strong institution'.

Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Adviser to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, said, 'We now have the chance to build a Human Rights Commission that is dedicated, equipped to meet complex challenges and capable of protecting every citizen's rights, including environmental defenders'.

Adilur Rahman Khan, Adviser to the Ministry of Housing and Public Works, added that establishing the Commission before elections would help safeguard every citizen and protect people from rights violations.

Stefan Liller, UNDP Resident Representative, noted, 'This is the most comprehensive consultation ever on the National Human Rights Commission in Bangladesh', and emphasised strong government and civil society collaboration.

H.E. Reto Siegfried Renggli, Swiss Ambassador, said, 'Switzerland supports Bangladesh as it builds a credible, independent Human Rights Commission that protects rights, builds trust and promotes justice'.

Anders B Karlsen, Deputy Head of Mission at Denmark's embassy, said, 'The NHRC's autonomy is essential for effectiveness'.

The keynote presentation on the NHRC draft Ordinance 2025 was delivered by Barrister Tanim Hussain Shawon, Special Consultant to the Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs. Among the distinguished guests was Md Asaduzzaman, Attorney General for Bangladesh.

Panel discussions covered key issues: mandate and independence, pluralism, accessibility and institutional effectiveness. Barrister Sara Hossain, Justice Moyeenul Islam Chowdhury and Dr Iftekharuzzaman gave actionable insights on improving the Commission's credibility and aligning with international standards.

S M Shafaet Hossen, Joint Secretary of the Division, summarised the recommendations at the closing session.

This national consultation concluded a five-part regional series. Previous meetings were held in Sylhet, Khulna, Cox's Bazar, Rajshahi and Rangpur. Over 500 participants attended, including rights defenders, women's rights groups, indigenous and disability rights organisations, victims' families, youth and journalists.

The reform process is part of a broader national effort aimed at strengthening human rights governance and institutional accountability in Bangladesh. The project is supported by UNDP and co-funded by the Embassy of Switzerland.