Law Ministry Adviser Dr. Asif Nazrul stated that during the Awami League’s previous terms, human rights were often violated rather than protected, and existing laws had significant limitations.
He made these remarks on Saturday morning at a consultation workshop held at a hotel in Inani, Cox’s Bazar. The event, organised by the Legislative and Parliamentary Affairs Division of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), focused on amending the National Human Rights Commission Act 2009 and the draft National Human Rights Commission Ordinance 2025.
Dr. Asif Nazrul said, “This government wants to leave a milestone in protecting human rights. We will continue to make our utmost efforts to uphold people’s rights, achieved at the cost of the blood of martyrs during the July uprising and the independence struggle.”
Industry Adviser Adilur Rahman Khan, present at the discussion, said, “After 15 long years of enforced disappearances, killings, and struggles to emerge from the ‘mirror room,’ the National Human Rights Commission Ordinance 2025 is critical.”
He added that once the ordinance is promulgated under the President’s authority, its implementation process will begin during this government’s tenure.
The proposed ordinance includes notable changes, allowing the commission to act independently against government institutions and officials. Additionally, the draft incorporates provisions for enacting separate laws to prevent enforced disappearances and killings.
By Abdu Rashid Manik
Photo: Courtesy
