Deputy Speaker Kayser Kamal has called for greater coordination among relevant ministries to strengthen the newly formed Parliamentary Caucus on Human Rights and Peace and help prevent human rights violations.
He made the call at the caucus’s first meeting at the Cabinet Room of the National Parliament building on Wednesday.
Kayser Kamal said the caucus must identify those responsible for past human rights violations and the victims to establish a credible account of such incidents.
He said the caucus was formed to prevent similar incidents in the future, stressing that those responsible for human rights violations must not be allowed to portray themselves as victims.
The deputy speaker said Bangladesh had never before formed such a parliamentary caucus and called on all concerned to work together to make it an effective institution.
He emphasised the need for cooperation from the ministries of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, Home Affairs, Foreign Affairs, and Information and Broadcasting, along with other relevant government agencies.
The meeting also discussed expanding the caucus’s activities through greater engagement with local and international organisations, agencies and universities working on human rights.
The chairperson and members stressed the importance of involving caucus members in meetings, seminars and research activities.
They expressed hope that the caucus would contribute to establishing a transparent and accountable government and an impartial judicial system for future generations.
The meeting was chaired by caucus president Fahima Nasrin. Members Humam Quader Chowdhury, Saeed Al Noman, Mir Ahmad Bin Quasem, Mohammad Najibur Rahman, Md Abul Hasnat, Zahrat Adib Chowdhury, Sanjida Islam and Anna Minz attended.
At the beginning of the meeting, participants observed a one-minute silence in memory of those killed in enforced disappearances, murders and extrajudicial killings.
Officials from the Parliament Secretariat and relevant ministries were also present.
