A government-controlled National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) would be a "self-defeating decision" for the current administration, Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) Executive Director Dr Iftekharuzzaman warned on Thursday, saying the proposed National Human Rights Commission Act, 2026 would undermine the commission's independence and effectiveness.
Speaking at a discussion titled "Review and Recommendations on the National Human Rights Commission Act, 2026 (Draft)" at the MIDAS Centre in Dhanmondi, he said the draft law, if enacted in its current form, would fail to establish an independent and effective human rights commission in line with international standards.
The programme was jointly organised by TIB and the Human Rights Forum Bangladesh (HRFB).
Dr Iftekharuzzaman said the draft law had substantially curtailed many of the powers granted to the commission under the interim government's ordinance.
"The government or political force that weakens state institutions for short-term political gains eventually suffers the consequences, because no government remains in power forever," he said, warning that imposing an ineffective commission under government control would ultimately backfire on the government itself.
TIB also expressed concern over several provisions of the draft law that it said would restrict the commission's ability to function independently.
The organisation objected to the absence of a clear provision empowering the commission to inspect alleged secret detention centres, commonly known as Ayna Ghar, during investigations into human rights violations. It also criticised provisions limiting the commission's authority to investigate complaints against members of law enforcement agencies.
Among its recommendations, TIB called for removing the requirement for prior approval before taking action against accused government officials, ensuring a transparent process for appointing the commission's chairperson and members, strengthening its financial autonomy and expanding its activities to the upazila level.
Dr Iftekharuzzaman said TIB had submitted 19 recommendations after reviewing the draft law. Ignoring those recommendations, he said, would raise questions about the government's commitment to establishing an independent human rights commission.
He added that implementing the commitments outlined in the BNP's 31-point state reform plan, election manifesto and the July Charter could help establish a commission free from government control.
TIB said it would submit its recommendations to the Law Ministry, the government and opposition parties before the draft law is finalised.
