[🇧🇩] Human Rights in Bangladesh

[Saif]

Tarique affirms commitment to preventing rights violation

Bangladesh Nationalist Party acting chairman Tarique Rahman on Wednesday said that the forthcoming national election presented a historic opportunity for the country to break away from past eras marked by corruption and human rights abuses...

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Tarique affirms commitment to preventing rights violation
Staff Correspondent 10 December, 2025, 16:09

Bangladesh Nationalist Party acting chairman Tarique Rahman. | File photo

Bangladesh Nationalist Party acting chairman Tarique Rahman on Wednesday said that the forthcoming national election presented a historic opportunity for the country to break away from past eras marked by corruption and human rights abuses.

He said that the BNP was the only political force offering a concrete and comprehensive plan for Bangladesh’s future.

Speaking virtually as the chief guest at a BNP-organised discussion titled ‘Plan to Build Bangladesh’ at the Krishibid Institution Bangladesh auditorium in the capital Dhaka, Tarique said that the party was committed to preventing any future human rights violations.

He said that during the past autocratic rule, BNP members had faced widespread violations, including hundreds of enforced disappearances, thousands of killings and instances of torture.

‘The people are the ultimate holders of all political power and that freedom of expression must be protected for everyone, whether they support the BNP or another party.’ Tarique said.

Every citizen, he said, must be able to present their political ideas safely and without fear.

Tarique said the BNP intended to move public debate away from personal attacks and adversarial arguments, noting that people were tired of constant blame-shifting and now wanted clear answers to what political parties would deliver if elected.

He described the current political struggle as a battle for the nation’s future.

He instructed the party leaders and activists to go door to door at villages, unions, municipalities and districts to present the party’s nation building plan directly to voters and convince them to support the BNP’s paddy-sheaf symbol in the national polls slated for February 2026.

He said that electoral victory was essential to implement people-oriented plans and to safeguard the country’s future.

He said that the responsibility once carried by Ziaur Rahman and Khaleda Zia now rested on the shoulders of party leaders and activists.

They must protect the country, he said, adding that everyone had to rise, step out of their homes and go to the people.

BNP senior joint secretary general Ruhul Kabir Rizvi presided over the meeting.​

 

[Saif]

Human rights commission remains dysfunctional over a year

The legal adviser, professor Asif Nazrul, assured that human rights commission Act would be amended and a new commission will constitute within a month.

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Human rights commission remains dysfunctional over a year
Human rights commission ordinance has been issued. While many provisions are positive, several questions have also emerged

Partha Shankar SahaDhaka
Published: 10 Dec 2025, 15: 20

National Human Rights Commission logo File photo

Today, Wednesday is International Human Rights Day. This year’s theme is “Human rights are essential to our everyday lives.”

Yet, Bangladesh’s National Human Rights Commission has remained ineffective for over a year.

After some of the most serious incidents of human rights violations during the Awami League’s decade-and-a-half in power, the July uprising had generated public optimism.

However, following the assumption of power by the interim government, the then chairman of the National Human Rights Commission, Kamal Uddin Ahmed, along with all other members, were compelled to resign in November last year.

It has been alleged that they were forced to resign. The role of the National Human Rights Commission during the Awami League’s tenure had also been widely criticised.

Subsequently, in March, the law adviser, professor Asif Nazrul, assured that the Human Rights Commission Act would be amended and a new commission will be constituted within a month or so.

However, despite the passage of eight months, the Human Rights Commission has not yet been reconstituted. In the meantime, over a month ago, a Human Rights Commission Ordinance was issued.

Although many aspects of the new law have been welcomed by human rights activists, certain provisions have raised concerns.

Commenting on the overall human rights situation, senior Supreme Court lawyer Shahdeen Malik told Prothom Alo, “The core aspiration of the July spirit was to ensure protection from state repression wherever possible. Unfortunately, that has not materialised.”

According to data from human rights organisation Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK), more people were killed in mob beatings between January and October this year than in any single year over the past five years.

Human rights situation

Although the interim government has taken positive steps in investigating disappearances and other human rights violations, the increase in incidents such as mob attacks and lynching has raised serious questions.

According to data from human rights organisation Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK), more people were killed in mob beatings between January and October this year than in any single year over the past five years.

ASK reports that 165 people were killed in mob beatings between January and October this year. The numbers were 28 in 2021, 36 in 2022, 51 in 2023 and 128 in 2024.

After the mass uprising in mid-2024, the interim government came to power. Between August 2024 and October of the current year, a total of 261 people were killed in mob attacks.

The core aspiration of the July spirit was to ensure protection from state repression wherever possible. Unfortunately, that has not materialised----Shahdeen Malik, senior Supreme Court lawyer.

During this period, numerous allegations were raised concerning mobs being mobilised for extortion, attacks, besieging individuals, and harassing women.

While the government has been accused of indifference in preventing these incidents, remarks by some responsible figures have also been criticised as tacitly supportive.

ASK’s senior coordinator, Abu Ahmed Faijul Kabir, told Prothom Alo, “In some places, mobs are being formed for extortion; elsewhere, freedom fighters are being humiliated; women’s freedom regarding clothing and their right to sports is being curtailed; attempts are being made to suppress artistic and cultural rights. This is a direct assault on state order.”

Although the number of enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings (40 in 14 months) has declined under the interim government, the number of unidentified bodies recovered has increased.

According to the Manabadhikar Shongskriti Foundation (MSF) 352 unidentified bodies were recovered in 2023. The number rose to 504 in 2024. As of November this year, the figure stands at 586.

MSF’s executive director, Saidur Rahman, told Prothom Alo, “In the past, the identities of such bodies would eventually be confirmed. Now neither the police nor anyone else provides any information. I have not heard anyone from the ministry of home affairs say anything about it.”

For much of its time in power, this government kept the human rights commission ineffective. Now, by merely amending a law, the interim government is spending its time observing widespread human rights violations with indifference. This is a form of evasion of responsibility.

Sayeed Ahmed, Bangladesh Bureau chief of the south asians for human rights (SAFHR)

Deaths in custody are also rising. According to ASK, 83 people died in custody between January and October this year. The number was 65 last year, 106 in 2023, and 65 in 2022. A total of 112 people have died in custody during the interim government’s tenure.

Persecution of religious minorities continues as well. According to the Hindu Buddhist Christian Oikya Parishad, between 4 August 2024 and 30 November this year, 2,673 incidents of attacks on minorities occurred. These included 82 murders and 44 incidents of rape.

The organisation’s acting general secretary, Manindra Kumar Nath, told Prothom Alo that attacks on minorities have never really stopped.

However, the current government has emboldened religious extremism, worsening the situation. Archbishop Bejoy D’Cruze of the catholic community in Bangladesh also told Prothom Alo that the country’s Christians now genuinely feel unsafe.

The interim government has also faced allegations of misuse of the Anti-Terrorism Act and the Special Powers Act.

The interim government has also faced allegations of misuse of the Anti-Terrorism Act and the Special Powers Act.

The new ordinance

The National Human Rights Commission Ordinance, 2025, has been issued with the aim of protecting human rights. After receiving final approval from the advisory council on 30 October, law adviser Asif Nazrul stated that the previous commission had been weak, with flaws in the appointment process and severe limitations in jurisdiction.

The objective of the new ordinance is to transform the commission into a genuinely empowered institution capable of playing an effective role in preventing human rights violations.

Previously, the commission could not investigate offences committed by law enforcement agencies. Government departments were also under no obligation to provide explanations or reports when requested. The new ordinance grants the commission these powers.

Despite the positive features of the ordinance, questions remain about its effectiveness.

First, what will happen if the next government does not pass the ordinance into law?

Secondly, with elections scheduled for February, it is unlikely that a new commission will be formed before then.

Sayeed Ahmed, Bangladesh Bureau chief of the South Asians for Human Rights (SAFHR), based in Colombo, told Prothom Alo, “For much of its time in power, this government kept the Human Rights Commission ineffective.

Now, by merely amending a law, the interim government is spending its time observing widespread human rights violations with indifference. This is a form of evasion of responsibility.”​

 

[Saif]

UN rights chief urges probe into Bangladesh student leader's killing

The United Nations human rights chief voiced alarm Friday at the killing of Bangladesh student protest leader Sharif Osman Hadi, calling for a swift and impartial investigation. Hadi, a key figure in last year's pro-democracy uprising, was shot by masked gunmen while leaving a mosque in the...

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UN rights chief urges probe into Bangladesh student leader's killing

AFP Geneva
Published: 19 Dec 2025, 22: 11

Volker Turk, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Reuters file photo

The United Nations human rights chief voiced alarm Friday at the killing of Bangladesh student protest leader Sharif Osman Hadi, calling for a swift and impartial investigation.

Hadi, a key figure in last year's pro-democracy uprising, was shot by masked gunmen while leaving a mosque in the capital Dhaka last week. He was initially wounded and flown to Singapore for treatment, but eventually succumbed to his wounds on Thursday.

"I urge the authorities to conduct a prompt, impartial, thorough and transparent investigation into the attack that led to Hadi's death, and to ensure due process and accountability for those responsible," UN rights chief Volker Turk said in a statement.

He urged calm as protesters rallied across Bangladesh for a second straight day, demanding the arrest of the gunman.

"Retaliation and revenge will only deepen divisions and undermine the rights of all," he warned.

With parliamentary elections scheduled for February, Turk stressed that it was vital to ensure an environment where all individuals could participate safely and peacefully in public life and freely express different views.

"I urge the authorities to uphold the rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and security of journalists at this critical time, and prevent further escalation of unrest," the rights chief added.​

 

[Saif]

BNP forms ‘humane govt’, pledges to safeguard human rights: Shama Obaed

State minister for foreign affairs Shama Obaed Islam on Monday reiterated the government’s commitment to protecting human rights, saying the country witnessed repeated violations over the past 17 years...

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BNP forms ‘humane govt’, pledges to safeguard human rights: Shama Obaed
She says RAB used against people during AL regime with human rights violations

United News of Bangladesh . Dhaka 16 March, 2026, 20:16

State minister for foreign affairs Shama Obaed Islam. | File photo

State minister for foreign affairs Shama Obaed Islam on Monday reiterated the government’s commitment to protecting human rights, saying the country witnessed repeated violations over the past 17 years.

‘We have seen how human rights were repeatedly violated in different sectors during the past 17 years,’ she told reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The state minister said the Bangladesh BNP had formed a ‘humane government’ and reaffirmed its pledge to safeguard human rights.

‘BNP worked in the past to protect and strengthen human rights. The government will continue efforts to reinforce those protections in the future,’ she said when asked about a letter sent by several international human rights organisations to prime minister Tarique Rahman.

The letter was sent by Amnesty International, ARTICLE 19, Committee to Protect Journalists, CIVICUS: World Alliance for Citizen Participation, International Federation for Human Rights, Fortify Rights, Human Rights Watch, Robert F Kennedy Human Rights and Tech Global Institute.

In the letter, the organisations said the current moment presents ‘an opportunity to write a new chapter in Bangladesh’s history.’

‘Your actions will have a profound impact on the rights of people in Bangladesh for years to come,’ the letter said, adding that the groups look forward to close partnership with the government to support these efforts.

Responding to another question, the state minister said the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), which was formed to maintain law and order and protect citizens, had been used against people during the tenure of the Awami League government, resulting in human rights violations.

Bangladesh’s recently elected prime minister and his government face many urgent challenges but can use this opportunity to bring lasting protections of human rights, nine rights groups wrote in a letter to Prime Minister Tarique published on Monday.

While the widespread rights violations including enforced disappearances and extra-judicial killings under Hasina’s rule ended, the interim government ‘continued to arbitrarily detain political opponents, and was unable to end mob violence’ against journalists, religious minorities, and cultural centers, they said.Politics

‘Tarique Rahman has been given a wide mandate to bring change, including by many Bangladeshis who risked their lives to overthrow an autocratic government,’ said Meenakshi Ganguly, deputy Asia director at Human Rights Watch.

‘Success will require meaningful reform to ensure that independent institutions are capable of delivering accountability and upholding the rule of law, and real commitment to upholding rights such as freedom of religion and expression.’

Among the priorities highlighted in the letter are ending arbitrary detention, holding those responsible for past violations accountable, abolishing the abusive Rapid Action Battalion, and protecting ethnic and religious minorities.

The groups also said that the government should protect the rights of over a million Rohingya refugees currently in Bangladesh and establish a strong and independent National Human Rights Commission. The groups made specific recommendations in their letter for policy measures and legislative steps.Bangladesh travel guide

During the election campaign, the BNP made numerous commitments to safeguard rights, including economic rights, by increasing the resources available for health, education, environmental protections, and social security.​

 

[Saif]

What is the future of the National Human Rights Commission?

According to the 1993 Paris Principles of the United Nations, the national human rights commission in each country is an independent monitoring and investigative institution. Its tasks include overseeing state power, investigating allegations of human rights violations, and holding the...

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What is the future of the National Human Rights Commission?
Debapriya Bhattacharya & Shourza Talukder
Published: 29 Mar 2026, 09: 01

According to the 1993 Paris Principles of the United Nations, the national human rights commission in each country is an independent monitoring and investigative institution. Its tasks include overseeing state power, investigating allegations of human rights violations, and holding the government accountable. In essence, it acts as a moral control mechanism within the state. However, Bangladesh's experience raises different questions.

Over the past decade and a half, serious allegations such as enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, communal and ethnic violence, and torture by security forces have repeatedly come to the fore. Yet, the role of the National Human Rights Commission in such cases has rarely been visible. In many instances, the commission's activities have been limited to receiving complaints and sending letters to the relevant ministries; investigation or inquiry-based activities were negligible. Moreover, there are questions about the transparency of these processes. As a result, the human rights commission turned into a 'toothless'' or 'paper' institution, with spineless leadership.

History of the Human Rights Commission in Bangladesh

A vigorous discussion to establish the National Human Rights Commission in Bangladesh began in the mid-1990s. The process gained momentum after the caretaker government assumed responsibility on 11 January 2007. Under that government, the ''National Human Rights Commission Ordinance, 2007'' was promulgated on 1 September 2008. The ''National Human Rights Commission Act, 2009'' was passed in the ninth national parliament on 4 July 2009. The commission operated under this law from 2009 to 2024, yet there's much talk about its limitations and inefficacy.

The situation took a new turn following political changes in 2024. On 7 November of that year, an interim government abolished the commission. Then, a new 'Draft National Human Rights Commission Ordinance, 2025' was published on 13 September 2025. It was gazetted on 9 November, with a revised ordinance published on 8 December. No commission existed during this entire period.

The new ordinance introduced some structural changes, shortening the investigation period to three months, bringing all commission members into a full-time structure, granting some freedom in budget management, and providing for the online publication of investigation reports.

Additionally, the ordinance includes the representation of women and indigenous peoples, with some additions related to children's rights.

However, the effectiveness of these changes largely depends on the commission's jurisdiction and actual power. Especially, matters related to enforced disappearances must remain within the commission's purview to ensure effective and independent oversight of law enforcement agencies.

Still, the question remains—will these reforms genuinely make the commission ''independent', 'capable', and 'effective'? There is also a clear international context to this. Currently, Bangladesh’s national human rights commission stands at 'Category B', meaning it has not yet met the full standards of the Paris Principles.

As a result, the commission does not gain the full right to speak independently at the UN Human Rights Council and other international forums and is deprived of participation in decision-making or voting rights.

To stand as a strong and credible institution, it is crucial for Bangladesh to upgrade to 'Category A'. This advancement is not merely symbolic—it directly relates to the commission's independence, effectiveness, and international acceptability.

Citizen initiative

In Bangladesh, civil society has been active on human rights issues for a long time. Particularly from the establishment of the human rights commission in 2007-09 and the subsequent decade, various civil society organisations, human rights activists, and research institutions have persistently provided opinions on the commission's independence and effectiveness.

In the 2010s, amid discussions about enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, and accountability of security forces, this demand became more vocal. Consistently, since the founding of Citizen's Platform in 2016, regular dialogues, workshops, and consultation meetings have advanced discussions on human rights, communal violence, and the rights of marginalised communities.

Notable examples of this continuity include the multiparty dialogues on the proposed draft National Human Rights Commission Ordinance of 2025 and discussions about expectations from the new parliament in 2026. However, the question is, how much impact has this long-standing citizen initiative had on real policy-making?

Real-world experiences suggest, not much. This is because the framework for establishing and operating the human rights commission has long been confined to state bureaucracy and political control. The appointment process for the commission's chairman and members has frequently remained limited to political considerations or individuals from administrative backgrounds. As a result, instead of working independently, the institution has often been controlled by executive power.

Representatives of civil society have repeatedly said the biggest weakness of the human rights commission is its lack of structural independence. In many cases, there was also administrative control over the commission's recruitment of staff, budget management, or investigation processes.

Consequently, the commission’s activities often got stuck in bureaucratic complexities, turning it into a rehabilitation centre for retired bureaucrats. Even during the interim government's time, similar types of constraints were alleged in drafting the human rights commission ordinance.

According to many human rights activists and civil society organisations, the drafting process was not inclusive, leading to a situation where many citizen-level recommendations were not reflected in the current 'National Human Rights Commission Ordinance, 2025'. This reality presents a significant question: is the human rights commission truly a citizens' institution, or is it just another extension of the state's administrative framework?

What lies ahead

In today’s political reality, the human rights issue has gained new importance. In a statement given on BTV after the 13th National Parliament election held on 12 February 2026, the current Prime Minister stated, "It must be ensured that no one is ever deprived of fundamental human rights." Even opposition political leaders have voiced uncompromising stances on justice and human dignity. However, a fundamental precondition for these commitments to materialise is an effective, independent, and accountable national human rights commission.

The first session of the 13th parliament began on 12 March. According to the constitution, nearly 133 ordinances issued during the past period must be presented and approved in parliament within 30 days. Otherwise, their efficacy will cease. The ordinances have already been sent to a special parliamentary committee for scrutiny, with a deadline of 2 April 2026, for the committee to report.

Therefore, time is extremely limited. In this reality, the question is not just how perfect the law is; but rather will its continuity be maintained. In this reality, three possibilities emerge regarding the future of the National Human Rights Commission Ordinance, 2025.

One. Parliament may approve the ordinance in its current form. This will maintain the law's continuity and sustain the legal basis of the existing commission. However, there will be the risk of continuing the structural weaknesses present in the draft, necessitating amendments later.

Two. Based on the selection committee’s opinion, the ordinance may be approved with amendments. This will create opportunities to address some limitations, although not all key recommendations may be reflected.

Three. The ordinance may not be approved, allowing its efficacy to lapse. In that case, an opportunity for new legislation arises, though the institutional continuity of the human rights commission will fall into uncertainty again.

Which of these three paths will be chosen will determine whether the government remains committed to promises regarding human rights protection or moves towards real change. Will the parliament truly take the initiative to approve the ordinance and establish accountability over the state in safeguarding human rights? Even if the ordinance becomes law, sustained citizen activism will be necessary to enforce it.

#Debapriya Bhattacharya is a Distinguished Fellow at the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD)​