National Consultation on Draft NHRC Ordinance 2025 Held in Dhaka

The Government of Bangladesh has taken a significant step toward strengthening human rights protection by presenting the Draft National Human Rights Commission Ordinance 2025 at the sixth consultation with Human Rights Defenders, victims, civil society and minority community leaders held today in Dhaka. The event was convened by the Legislative and Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs with the support of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) under the Strengthening Institutions, Policies and Services (SIPS) Project, generously made possible by the Embassy of Switzerland.

The consultation aimed to ensure the new NHRC will respond to the needs of Bangladeshis and is aligned with the Paris Principles, ensuring the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) becomes more independent, credible, inclusive, and trusted. This reform initiative reflects the government's commitment to replacing the NHRC Act 2009 through a nationwide participatory process that has engaged civil society, legal experts, youth, marginalised communities, and human rights defenders.

The consultation was inaugurated by Dr. Hafiz Ahmed Chowdhury, Secretary of the Legislative and Parliamentary Affairs Division, and brought together senior government officials, members of the judiciary, legal professionals, academics, development partners, and human rights advocates to review and discuss the draft ordinance.

In his remarks, Dr Asif Nazrul, Adviser to the Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, emphasised, "Legal clarity and public trust are the pillars of a credible NHRC. This reform is an opportunity to establish a strong institution."

H.E. Reto Siegfried Renggli, Ambassador of Switzerland to Bangladesh, underlined the importance of an inclusive reform process, stating, "Switzerland stands with Bangladesh in strengthening the social contract between the State and its citizens by supporting a credible and independent Human Rights Commission that protects rights, builds trust, and promotes justice for all."

Anders B. Karlsen, Deputy Head of Mission of the Embassy of Denmark, emphasised the importance of institutional independence: "Ensuring the NHRC's autonomy and strong human rights institutions are essential for it to function effectively. We encourage all stakeholders to continue working together to translate this draft into a stronger, more accountable institution."

The keynote presentation on the NHRC Draft Ordinance 2025 was delivered by Barrister Tanim Hussain Shawon, Special Consultant to the Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs.

Among other distinguished guests, Md Asaduzzaman, Attorney General for Bangladesh, was present at the inauguration.

Throughout the day, panel discussions explored key themes including mandate and independence, pluralism, accessibility, and institutional effectiveness. Renowned experts such as Barrister Sara Hossain, Justice Moyeenul Islam Chowdhury and Dr. Iftekharuzzaman offered critical insights on ensuring the Commission's long-term credibility and compliance with international standards.

The consultation concluded with a summary of recommendations presented by S. M. Shafaet Hossen, Joint Secretary, Legislative and Parliamentary Affairs Division.

This national consultation marks the end of the consultation series that followed the five regional consultations held in Sylhet, Khulna, Cox's Bazar, Rajshahi and Rangpur, which engaged more than 500 participants, including human rights defenders, women's rights groups, indigenous and disability rights organizations, victims and families of enforced disappearances, youth organizations, human rights advocates and journalists covering human rights issues.

This reform process is part of a broader national effort to strengthen human rights governance and institutional accountability in Bangladesh, supported under UNDP's SIPS project and co-funded by the Embassy of Switzerland.