The government is likely to promulgate an ordinance aiming at making the National Human Rights Commission must be made free from political influence.
The law ministry unveiled the draft National Human Rights Commission Ordinance, aiming to protect human rights and align with international standards, at 鈥楽takeholder consultation on the reform of the National Human Rights Commission Act 2009鈥� in Cox鈥檚 Bazar on Saturday.
The programme was organised by the ministry in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme through its Strengthening Institutions, Policies and Services Programme, with support from the Embassy of Switzerland.
The draft ordinance seeks to enhance the commission鈥檚 independence, inclusivity, and accountability.
It seeks to align the commission鈥檚 mandate with relevant parts of the Paris Principles and addresses key recommendations from the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions.
Law adviser Asif Nazrul told the meeting that truly independent and accountable Human Rights Commission could only thrive when it is free from political influence and rooted in citizen participation.
Housing and public works adviser Adilur Rahman Khan said that a truly independent and inclusive Human Rights Commission was essential if Bangladesh wanted to meet international standards and restore public trust.
Resident representative of the UNDP in Bangladesh Stefan Liller said that within the broader UN family, governance and the promotion of human rights were core areas of expertise for the UNDP.
鈥榃e remain committed to supporting the people of Bangladesh in shaping a stronger and more effective National Human Rights Commission,鈥� he said.
Ambassador of Switzerland to Bangladesh Reto Renggli said that amending the National Human Rights Commission Act was crucial to ensuring the commission鈥檚 independence, efficiency and credibility.
鈥楢 stronger institution will not only better protect citizens鈥� rights but also build trust, strengthen accountability and reinforce Bangladesh鈥檚 democratic principles,鈥� he said.
Ambassador of Sweden to Bangladesh Nicolas Weeks highlighted Sweden鈥檚 continued support and said strong and independent human rights institutions are the backbone of democratic societies.
鈥楽weden stands with Bangladesh in this reform process, which is vital for safeguarding human rights, strengthening the rule of law, and advancing inclusive development,鈥� said the Swedish envoy.
Earlier, law ministry鈥檚 special consultant Tanim Hussain Shawon presented the keynote on the overview of the proposed ordinance.
Iftikhar Syed Ali, human rights officer of the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, shared the United Nations鈥� position paper on the current law submitted in early September.