Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has raised concerns that the BNP government’s decision not to approve several ordinances issued by the recently departed interim government will undermine judicial independence in the country.
The organisation further warned that this move could make it more challenging for victims of human rights violations by law enforcement agencies to seek justice.
During a press conference held at the TIB office in Dhaka’s Dhanmondi area on Monday, the organisation highlighted its fears that critical sectors like anti-corruption efforts could be at risk due to the lack of approval for key ordinances.
The BNP government has decided not to approve 20 of the 133 ordinances issued by the interim government, which has raised alarms.
The TIB executive director, Iftekharuzzaman, said in a written statement at the briefing that a special parliamentary committee had recommended the cancellation of four ordinances, including those related to the appointment of judges and the creation of a separate secretariat for the judiciary.
These ordinances are central to maintaining the independence of the judiciary, and their rejection could potentially undermine it, he warned.
The TIB also raised concerns about the fate of 16 other vital ordinances, including those related to the National Human Rights Commission, the Anti-Corruption Commission, and measures to prevent enforced disappearances.
These ordinances have been recommended for review at a later time, which, according to the organisation, creates the risk of judicial independence being sidelined.
“If the judicial appointments are reverted to the previous system, it could mean that these decisions will become subject to the will of the head of the government, a step backwards in terms of progress,” TIB said during the press conference.
The TIB also questioned the government’s commitment to human rights and asked why the ruling party has yet to recognise the importance of laws related to judicial independence, human rights protection, and the prevention of enforced disappearances.
The absence of effective mechanisms for protecting these rights could exacerbate the suffering of the people, the TIB said.
At the press conference, TIB urged the government to amend the Anti-Corruption Commission Ordinance in line with BNP’s recommendations provided to the National Consensus Commission.
TIB applauded the government’s decision to convert 98 ordinances into law but expressed concerns that some ordinances were “deliberately weakened” in the process. The organisation highlighted its reservations about certain provisions, which it believes could undermine the strength and effectiveness of these laws.
The organisation also pushed for amendments to the 2025 Right to Information (Amendment) Act, advocating for clearer definitions of information and an expansion of the authority’s scope.
The organisation has also called for a human rights impact analysis before the full implementation of the Personal Data Protection Ordinance, warning that it could be used as a tool for surveillance and control, disguised under the guise of data protection.
Regarding the Bangladesh Telecommunications Regulation Ordinance, TIB expressed concern about the inclusion of “content-related issues,” which it fears could be used to suppress dissenting views in the future.
The organisation raised issues with the Government Audit Ordinance, citing fundamental shortcomings that could lead to a lack of accountability in the government’s revenue management system.
TIB also called for the cancellation of the Police Commission Ordinance 2025, arguing that it does not establish an independent, impartial police commission necessary for creating a professional and people-friendly police force.
The organisation further demanded the repeal of the National Data Management Ordinance 2025, claiming that the proposal to place both regulatory and service delivery responsibilities under the same authority could lead to a conflict of interest and create a serious governance risk.
