In 2025, under the Interim government of Muhammad Yunus, an ordinance was drafted which gives the organization new duties and powers such as investigation, prosecution, legal representation of complainants. The new ordinance allows the organization to arrest and investigate suspects regardless of rank or political position independently. [1]
History
National Human Rights Commission was established on 9 December 2007 by the Caretaker government of Bangladesh. The organization was constituted under the provisions of the National Human Rights Commission Ordinance. It was reestablished by the National Human Rights Commission Act, 2009 after the original ordinance lapsed.[2] Then it was reconstituted in 2009 as a national advocacy institution for human rights promotion and protection. It is committed to the accomplishment of human rights in a broader sense, including dignity, worth and freedom of every human being, as enshrined in the Constitution of the People's Republic of Bangladesh and different international human rights conventions and treaties to which Bangladesh is a signatory. Consecutive administrations in Bangladesh have developed policies aimed at empowering women, incorporating this objective into their broader agendas while honoring their commitments to global development objectives.[3]
Emergence as a powerful organization
The NHRC was legally banned from investigating members of law enforcement since 2009, which was removed under the Interim government of Muhammad Yunus through a new ordinance in 2025.[1]
The ordinance also gives the organization new powers such as visiting and searching facilities to identify secret detention centres.[1] It can also issue warrants to inspect prisons or other premises where enforced disappearances could have taken place.[1]
The rights commission can also authorise law enforcers to make arrests with the ordinance stating investigating officers cannot be part of the organization that is being investigated.[1]
These changes have been considered revolutionary to tackle human rights abuses.[1]
Organization
A Selection Committee is formed consisting of seven members under headed by Speaker of the Parliament. Based upon its recommendation the President of Bangladesh appoints the chairman and members of the commission.[2]
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