NHRC Bangladesh: Ensure Accountability & Justice
Amnesty International demands urgent reform of Bangladesh’s National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) to bolster human rights. the current NHRC struggles to meet international standards, hindering effective oversight and accountability for human rights violations. Notable changes are needed, including an impartial appointment process, as the ruling party’s influence undermines the commission’s independence, and a broader mandate, covering all public authorities like the military and police. Financial independence, achieved through dedicated national budgetary allocation, is also critical. These reforms are pivotal for providing redress. News Directory 3 reports that these recommendations are crucial. Discover what’s next for human rights protection in Bangladesh.
Bangladesh at Crossroads: Human Rights reform Needed
Updated May 27,2025
Bangladesh faces a critical juncture,with an opportunity to strengthen its human rights protections through key legal and institutional reforms. Amnesty International is urging the interim government to prioritize the National Human Rights commission (NHRC) as a vital component of this reform.
Rehab mahmoor, Regional Researcher at Amnesty International, emphasized the importance of these reforms for ensuring lasting respect for human rights. the NHRC, however, has historically fallen short of international standards, receiving a “B” rating from the Global Alliance of national Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI) for the third consecutive time in April 2025.
The commission’s shortcomings have limited its ability to address human rights violations effectively. The current vacancy in the NHRC leadership, following the resignation of commissioners in November 2024, presents an opportunity for comprehensive reform. Simply appointing new commissioners is insufficient; amendments to the National Human Rights Commission Act of 2009 are essential to ensure independence and effectiveness.
To bolster Bangladesh human rights, Amnesty International recommends several key changes to the NHRC Act. These include ensuring an impartial and obvious appointment process for NHRC members, broadening the commission’s mandate to investigate all human rights violations, and guaranteeing adequate resources for independent operation.
While addressing the multiple areas that are in desperate need of systemic reform, the interim (bangladesh) government must not lose sight of the critically important legal and institutional reforms that can ensure an enduring respect for human rights.
Rehab Mahmoor, Regional Researcher, Amnesty International
The current appointment process, dominated by ruling party members, undermines the NHRC’s impartiality. A more inclusive model, such as Sri Lanka’s Constitutional Council, would better ensure respect for these principles. Furthermore, the NHRC’s mandate should extend to all public authorities, including the military, police, and intelligence agencies.
Financial independence is also crucial. The current funding mechanism, reliant on government grants, leaves the NHRC vulnerable to political influence. The state must guarantee adequate funding through a national budgetary allocation, ensuring the commission can operate without fear of retribution.
What’s next
These reforms represent a crucial step toward establishing an effective mechanism for addressing human rights violations in Bangladesh, ensuring that victims have access to redress and accountability.