The interim government on Thursday approved a draft of the National Human Rights Commission Ordinance 2025 empowering its authority to investigate human rights violations committed by law enforcement agencies and all acts of abuse carried out under state sponsorship or with state support.
The decision was taken during the weekly meeting of the Council of Advisers at the Chief Adviser’s Office with Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus in the chair.
After the meeting, Law Adviser Asif Nazrul outlined the key features of the newly approved ordinances.
“Earlier, the Human Rights Commission had limitations in its investigative powers, particularly concerning law enforcement agencies and some other areas,” he told a briefing.
“Now, the commission will have jurisdiction to investigate and take necessary measures in all cases of human rights violations, including those committed under the patronage of the government, the state, or law enforcement agencies,” he said.
Terming the previous Human Rights Commission toothless, he said “There were flaws in the appointment process and serious limitations in its jurisdiction. We have made it much stronger. Our goal is to make the Human Rights Commission a truly empowered institution.”
The law adviser said the commission will also be empowered to oversee laws related to the prevention of enforced disappearances, protection of victims, and overall safeguarding of human rights.
Highlighting the new provisions, he said the definition of human rights has been expanded. “Apart from the fundamental rights guaranteed in the Constitution, the Commission will also have jurisdiction over issues covered by international human rights declarations and treaties ratified or endorsed by Bangladesh,” he said.
He also said the scope has been kept for the commission to investigate cases of custodial deaths and similar incidents.
As per the proposed draft, the reconstituted commission will have a chairman and four full-time members.
A seven-member selection committee, headed by a justice of the Appellate Division, will recommend appointments to vacant positions through a transparent process, involving public notices and interviews—similar to judicial appointments.
The meeting also approved two other ordinances– the Artificial Organ Transplantation Ordinance and the July Uprising Memorial Museum Ordinance.
Speaking about the Artificial Organ Transplantation Ordinance, the adviser said that under existing laws, only family members were permitted to donate organs such as kidneys for transplantation.
“We have seen cases where people went abroad and paid money to non-family donors. Under the new law, transplants will be allowed not only from family members but also from individuals who have an ‘emotional attachment’ to the recipient,” he said.
Regarding the July Uprising Memorial Museum Ordinance, Asif Nazrul said, “The residence of the former ‘fascist’ prime minister, who is now on trial for genocide, has been declared the July Museum. It will be an independent museum, not a branch of the National Museum.”
“Given its historical significance and emotional resonance, it will be established as a completely autonomous institution. Under this ordinance, places known as “Aynaghar” at various locations may also become branch museums of the July Museum,” he said.
