UNDP, Ministry hold regional dialogue on implementing new NHRC ordinance
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Bangladesh, in partnership with the Legislative and Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, organised a regional dialogue in Chattogram on 6 December to advance implementation of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) Ordinance 2025.
The newly adopted ordinance offers a strengthened legal framework intended to enhance the country's human rights protection system.
The consultation brought together government officials, human rights defenders, lawyers, civil society organisations, youth representatives and development partners.
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Opening the dialogue, Stefan Liller, Resident Representative of UNDP Bangladesh, said: "This ordinance provides a strong foundation for an empowered National Human Rights Commission. Reform on paper is only the beginning; its implementation will be the true test."
He added that, once operationalised, the NHRC could play a pivotal role during the forthcoming political transition.
The ordinance strengthens the NHRC's independence, expands its powers and incorporates insights from more than 600 stakeholders nationwide, including survivors, activists, experts and government officials. To translate the reform into practice, participants emphasised the need for swift operational measures—appointment of new commissioners, adequate financial and institutional resources, effective complaint-handling mechanisms, broad civic engagement and support for parliamentary ratification following the 2026 election.
