Parliamentary standing committees have recommended the passage of the highly discussed “National Human Rights Commission Bill 2026” and “Enforced Disappearance Prevention and Redress Bill 2026” in amended forms.
However, opposition members boycotted the committee meetings and formally declared in writing that they would not participate in any stage of the passage of these bills.
On Sunday afternoon, a detailed discussion on the National Human Rights Commission Bill was held during a meeting of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on the Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs at the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban.
The meeting was chaired by the committee’s President, Muhammad Naushad Zamir, and attended by Minister for Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Md Asaduzzaman, alongside committee members Emran Ahmad Chowdhury, Sakila Farzana, Md Monzurul Islam, Mohammad Nazibur Rahman, and Al Faruk Abdul Latif.
Parliament secretariat sources revealed that the meeting discussed the “Transfer of Property (Amendment) Bill-2026” and the “National Human Rights Commission Bill-2026,” recommending both for passage in parliament subject to necessary amendments.
However, three opposition MPs – Mohammad Nazibur Rahman, Alfaruk Abdul Latif, and Akhtar Hossain – walked out of the meeting before the discussion on the National Human Rights Commission Bill commenced, though they had participated in the talks on the Transfer of Property (Amendment) Bill.
The opposition members submitted a written statement to the committee, outlining their position.
‘Weaker’ bill slammed by opposition
In their written statement, the opposition members alleged that the government unilaterally repealed the “National Human Rights Commission Ordinance-2025,” completely ignoring the opinions of victims, stakeholders, and domestic and international human rights organisations.
They claimed that while the government had promised to enact a stronger and more effective law when repealing the ordinance, the bill presented in parliament is actually weaker and narrower in scope.
Moreover, they asserted that the bill is inconsistent with the recognised standards of the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI), the Paris Principles, and related international conventions and declarations.
Speaking to reporters, opposition committee member Mohammad Nazibur Rahman stated that the standing committee was directed to submit its report on the bill within just two working days.
He argued that this limited the opportunity for proper consultation with stakeholders and independent review or decision-making, creating a situation that effectively reduced the standing committee to a “rubber stamp.”
Consequently, they decided not to participate in any discussion, review, or phase of the bill’s passage, and formally boycotted the meeting.
Concerns over “parliamentary fascism”
Nazibur Rahman also questioned the space for opposition members to express their views in parliament, alleging that an intimidating atmosphere is being fostered to suppress their voices.
He quoted intimidating remarks directed at them, “Those on that side are three times your number. If you make a noise, they will also make a noise.”
He stated that such comments attack their rights and dignity as MPs.
He added that their previous walkout from parliament was a protest against “parliamentary fascism.”
He further complained that the government is ignoring the opposition’s stance and arguments on the Human Rights Commission and Enforced Disappearance bills, both inside and outside parliament, as well as in the reports of the relevant special committees.
Walkout over enforced disappearance bill
Meanwhile, on Sunday, the Parliamentary Standing Committee on the Ministry of Home Affairs met at the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban to hold detailed discussions on the “Enforced Disappearance Prevention and Redress Bill-2026,” subsequently recommending its passage.
Chaired by Committee President Zainul Abedin, the meeting saw participation from Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmad, State Minister for LGRD Mir Shahe Alam, Whip Rokibul Islam, Whip Mia Nuruddin Ahammed Apu, Shireen Sultana, Md Nurul Islam, and Md Abdul Baten.
However, opposition committee members Md Nurul Islam and Md Abdul Baten staged a walkout, stating they declined to participate in the discussions on the bill due to their party’s stance.
In response, Committee President Zainul Abedin remarked that committee members have full opportunities to present amendments, offer advice, and oppose bills if necessary, but walking out of a meeting does not align with parliamentary norms and etiquette.
The Home Affairs committee meeting was informed that no extrajudicial killings had occurred in the country over the last six months. It was also stated that despite attempts to instigate mobs during this period, no political persecution had taken place.
Additionally, law enforcement agencies did not use excessive force to maintain law and order. The meeting expressed that attempts are being made to pin the blame for the abduction of Miraj Sheikh on the government, concluding that such “blame-game” politics should be avoided.
