Anne Marlborough, the human rights analyst for the European Union (EU) Election Observation Mission, briefed Justice Moyeenul Islam Chowdhury, the Chairman of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), on the mission’s activities regarding the 13th Parliamentary Election.
During the meeting held at the commission’s office on Tuesday, she presented the EU mission’s post-election Preliminary Statement to the Chairman.
The discussions focused on election-period violence in developing nations like Bangladesh, human rights violations, and potential threats to democracy.
Both parties emphasised the necessity of ensuring transparency, security, and fairness in the electoral process, with a particular focus on safeguarding the voting rights of women, the transgender community, and ethnic minorities.
Chairman Chowdhury highlighted the expansion of the commission’s jurisdiction and scope under the National Human Rights Commission Ordinance 2025.
He stated that this new legal framework provides commissioners and staff with the opportunity to play a more robust and courageous role in the protection and promotion of human rights.
The chairman expressed firm optimism that the government would transition the ordinance into a permanent law, which he believes will further consolidate the framework for human rights protection in the country.
The meeting concluded with a mutual pledge to strengthen cooperation and partnership to advance the state of human rights in Bangladesh.
NHRC reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring justice and protecting the rights of all citizens through the proper application of its legal authority and mandate.
