Law Adviser Dr Asif Nazrul on Saturday reaffirmed the government’s commitment to amending the National Human Rights Commission Act, 2009, saying Bangladesh has the opportunity to set an example by ensuring a credible and trusted rights body.
“The appointment of Commissioners must follow a transparent, open and competitive process. Only individuals with the highest integrity should serve in safeguarding the rights of our citizens,” he said while speaking virtually at a programme held in Sylhet.
With the amendment to the Act and its proper implementation, he said, Bangladesh can set an example of an independent and trusted National Human Rights Commission.i
A nationwide consultation process has been launched to reform the NHRC with the aim of transforming it into a more independent, credible and effective institution that safeguards the rights of all citizens and restores public trust.
The initiative is being led by the Legislative and Parliamentary Affairs Division (LPAD), Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Embassy of Switzerland.
The reform process focuses on amending the NHRC Act, 2009 to address existing legal and operational gaps and to align the Commission with internationally recognised standards, particularly the Paris Principles, said the UNDP.
