Government Unveils Draft NHRC Ordinance To Boost Human Rights Protection

The government today introduced the draft National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) Ordinance 2025 at a consultation in Cox’s Bazar, marking a major step toward strengthening human rights protection and aligning national law with international standards.

The event, titled “Stakeholder Consultation on the Reform of the National Human Rights Commission Act 2009,” was organized by the Legislative and Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) through its Strengthening Institutions, Policies and Services (SIPS) Programme, and supported by the Embassy of Switzerland.

The proposed ordinance, intended to replace the NHRC Act 2009, seeks to enhance the Commission’s independence, inclusivity, and accountability. It aligns the Commission’s mandate with the Paris Principles and incorporates recommendations from the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI), according to a UNDP press release.

Addressing the consultation as chief guest, Dr. Asif Nazrul, Adviser to the Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, said, “A truly independent and accountable Human Rights Commission can only flourish when it is free from political influence and rooted in citizen participation.”

Adilur Rahman Khan, Adviser to the Ministry of Housing and Public Works, added, “An inclusive and independent Human Rights Commission is essential if Bangladesh is to meet international standards and regain public trust.”

In his opening remarks, Stefan Liller, UNDP Bangladesh’s Resident Representative, emphasized, “Within the wider UN family, governance and human rights are UNDP’s core strengths. We remain committed to supporting Bangladesh in building a stronger and more effective National Human Rights Commission.” He also noted UNDP’s honor in partnering with Bangladesh during this pivotal reform moment.

Swiss Ambassador Reto Renggli stressed, “Amending the NHRC Act is vital to ensuring the Commission’s independence, efficiency, and credibility. A stronger institution will not only protect citizens’ rights but also strengthen accountability, public trust, and Bangladesh’s democratic foundations.”

Sweden’s Ambassador Nicolas Weeks reaffirmed his country’s support, saying, “Strong and independent human rights institutions are the backbone of democratic societies. Sweden stands by Bangladesh in this reform process, which is crucial for protecting rights, upholding the rule of law, and fostering inclusive development.”

Earlier, Barrister Tanim Hussain Shawon, Special Consultant to the Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, presented the keynote on the proposed ordinance. Iftikhar Syed Ali, Human Rights Officer at the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in Cox’s Bazar, shared the UN’s position paper on the current law, submitted in early September.

Other speakers included Romana Schweiger, Senior Rule of Law, Justice and Security Advisor at UNDP Bangladesh, and Justice Moyeenul Islam Chowdhury, Chairman of the Commission of Inquiry on Enforced Disappearances.

The Cox’s Bazar consultation follows earlier sessions in Sylhet and Khulna. Further divisional consultations will take place before a national dialogue in Dhaka.

Recommendations gathered from these discussions will guide the final amendments to the NHRC Act 2009. The public has also been invited to submit feedback on the draft ordinance.