Call for Accelerated Implementation of NHRC Ordinance 2025

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Bangladesh, in partnership with the Legislative and Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, organised a regional dialogue in Chattogram on 06 December in Chattogram to advance the implementation of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) Ordinance 2025. The newly adopted ordinance provides a strengthened legal framework to enhance the country's human rights protection system.

The consultation brought together government representatives, human rights defenders, lawyers, civil society organisations, youth advocates, and development partners.

Speaking at the opening, Stefan Liller, Resident Representative of UNDP Bangladesh, stated, "This Ordinance provides a strong foundation for an empowered National Human Rights Commission. Reform on paper is only the beginning. Its implementation will be the true test."

He further added, "Once operationalised under the new Ordinance, the NHRC can play a critical role during the upcoming political transition."

The new NHRC Ordinance strengthens the Commission's independence, expands its powers, and reflects insights from over 600 voices consulted nationwide, including human rights victims, activists, experts, and government representatives. To translate this reform into reality, swift operationalisation is needed, including the appointment of new Commissioners, securing adequate financial and institutional resources, establishing strong complaint-handling mechanisms, engaging widely with citizens and the justice system, and supporting Parliament's ratification of the Ordinance following the 2026 election.

Participants in the dialogue aimed to agree to collaborate in implementing the Ordinance over the next 12 to 18 months. they called on government agencies, civil society, media, and communities to work together to monitor and support the timely appointment of Commissioners, advocate for parliamentary ratification, help citizens understand how to seek assistance from the NHRC, and ensure that the Commission remains independent, accessible, and accountable to the people.