People don't want ‘spineless’ HR Commission: Debapriya

Strong and principled leadership is essential for the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), experts said at a discussion on the Draft National Human Rights Commission Ordinance 2025 held in Dhaka on Saturday.

Dr Debapriya Bhattacharya, distinguished fellow of the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD), cautioned against appointing leaders who lack courage.

"In the past, Bangladesh had toothless and spineless human rights commissions. We must ensure that mistake is not repeated. The new commission needs honest, principled, and courageous leaders who can protect citizens' rights and confront the government when necessary," 
he said.

Dr Bhattacharya noted that while the original draft law was prepared in January 2009 during the caretaker government, the commission formed under it has faced repeated disruptions. Most recently, the interim government led by Prof Yunus dissolved the commission in November 2024, leaving the country without a functioning human rights body for nearly a year.

Barrister Jyotirmoy Barua highlighted that previous commissions failed to address sensitive issues, including long-standing problems in the CHT. Representatives from Bangladesh Reform Watch said the draft ordinance aims to align the commission's structure, independence, and powers with international standards while ensuring it can conduct credible investigations and effectively protect victims and minority communities.