Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has expressed deep concern regarding the draft National Human Rights Commission Act 2026, alleging that several crucial powers previously granted to the commission have been significantly curtailed.
The anti-corruption watchdog warned that if the law is passed in its current form, it will be impossible to establish an independent and effective human rights commission that aligns with international standards.
Speaking at a discussion titled “Draft National Human Rights Commission Act 2026: Review and Recommendations of Human Rights Forum Bangladesh (HRFB) and TIB” at the Midas Centre in the capital on Thursday, TIB Executive Director Dr Iftekharuzzaman raised these concerns.
He noted that while the interim government had enacted over a hundred ordinances, the one pertaining to the Human Rights Commission was not passed by the current parliament.
Instead, the government has prepared a new draft of the law, which limits many of the powers previously proposed to ensure the commission’s independent functioning.
According to Iftekharuzzaman, the commission’s ability to conduct independent investigations and play an effective role will be diminished if certain provisions are retained.
He specifically pointed out that the power to investigate allegations of enforced disappearances, which was granted to the commission under the interim government’s ordinance, has been reduced in the new draft.
TIB highlighted that Section 13 of the draft law does not explicitly include the commission’s authority to inspect potential secret detention centres or the so-called “Ayna Ghor” operated by law enforcement, intelligence, and surveillance agencies.
This omission, Iftekharuzzaman feared, could bring the commission’s effectiveness in investigating allegations of illegal or secret detention into question.
TIB also raised objections to Section 20 of the draft, which seeks to limit the commission’s power to investigate allegations of human rights violations committed by members of law enforcement agencies.
During the meeting, Iftekharuzzaman emphasised that ensuring the independence of the Human Rights Commission is essential for building an effective institution in line with international standards.
He remarked that public expectations of the post-uprising government are high, and therefore, the independence and capacity of national institutions should remain intact.
TIB has recommended strengthening the commission’s investigative powers, recruitment processes, budget, and administrative independence to ensure it can function effectively.
