Govt Unveils Draft NHRC Ordinance to Strengthen Rights

Today, Law, Justice, and Parliamentary Affairs Adviser Dr. Asif Nazrul spoke at the event titled "Stakeholder Consultation on the Reform of the National Human Rights Commission Act 2009" in Cox’s Bazar.

The government unveiled the draft National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) Ordinance 2025 in Cox's Bazar today, marking a key step in strengthening human rights protection and aligning with international standards.

The event, titled "Stakeholder Consultation on the Reform of the NHRC Act 2009," was organised by the Legislative and Parliamentary Affairs Division under the Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, in collaboration with the UN Development Programme (UNDP) through its SIPS Programme, with support from the Embassy of Switzerland.

The new draft ordinance, set to replace the NHRC Act 2009, aims to enhance the Commission's independence, inclusivity, and accountability, aligning its mandate with the Paris Principles and addressing recommendations from the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI).

Dr. Asif Nazrul, Adviser, Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, said, “A truly independent and accountable Human Rights Commission can only thrive when free from political influence and rooted in citizen participation.”

Adilur Rahman Khan, Adviser, Ministry of Housing and Public Works, added, “An independent and inclusive Human Rights Commission is essential for meeting international standards and restoring public trust.”

Stefan Liller, UNDP Bangladesh Resident Representative, emphasised UNDP’s commitment to supporting Bangladesh in strengthening the NHRC. Reto Renggli, Swiss Ambassador, and Nicolas Weeks, Swedish Ambassador, highlighted the importance of independence and credibility in safeguarding rights and reinforcing democratic principles.

The consultation featured key presentations, including a keynote by Barrister Tanim Hussain Shawon on the NHRC Ordinance 2025 and a UN position paper by Iftikhar Syed Ali of OHCHR. Other speakers included Romana Schweiger, UNDP Senior Rule of Law Advisor, and Justice Moyeenul Islam Chowdhury.

This Cox's Bazar consultation follows earlier rounds in Sylhet and Khulna, with further divisional consultations planned nationwide before a National Dialogue in Dhaka. Public feedback on the draft ordinance is invited by 18 September at shafaet.hossen@yahoo.com.