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“Among the 133 ordinances issued during the interim government, some made significant progress in strengthening democratic and institutional foundations,” he said.

“These include the Supreme Court Judges Appointment Ordinance, the Supreme Court Secretariat Ordinance, and the Human Rights Commission Ordinance. Repealing or suspending them sends a worrying message about the government’s commitment to judicial independence.”

Referring to the ruling party’s election pledge, he questioned whether the move reflects its commitment to ensuring judicial independence and strengthening a separate Supreme Court secretariat.

“It is highly disappointing that, within such a short span of time, the government appears to have forgotten how compromised the judiciary had become during the previous authoritarian regime and how it was used as a tool to suppress dissent,” he said.

Dr Iftekharuzzaman warned that suspending the Human Rights Commission Ordinance could create uncertainty in protecting citizens’ rights.

“The fact that people’s lives can become extremely difficult in the absence of an effective Human Rights Commission, an independent judiciary, and provisions for preventing enforced disappearances should not be forgotten by those in power, including the head of the ruling party.”

He said political parties that had suffered rights violations in the past should support the immediate enactment of these laws.

He also questioned the rationale behind reviewing ordinances related to enforced disappearances, cautioning against using the process to weaken protections or shield perpetrators.

On the ACC Ordinance, he urged revision in line with the ACC Reform Commission’s recommendations, including provisions for an independent selection and review committee and extending anti-corruption measures to the private sector.

Regarding the Police Commission Ordinance, he said it fails to establish a neutral, independent commission needed for professional policing.

He also urged revision of the Right to Information (Amendment) Ordinance, including definitions of information, commissioner appointments, and tenure, before placing it in Parliament.

The TIB emphasised that all ordinances should be reviewed with expert and stakeholder input and enacted into law promptly to strengthen governance, judicial independence, and human rights in Bangladesh.