STAFF CORRESPONDENT

Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has expressed concern that the institution proposed under the draft National Human Rights Commission Act, 2026, would not function as an independent commission.

In a statement issued on June 8, TIB said the draft law, prepared by the government on May 17, contains several fundamental changes from the 2025 ordinance that undermine public expectations for an effective human rights commission free from government influence.

The organisation also noted that several provisions are inconsistent with the Paris Principles and other international standards governing national human rights institutions.

TIB also submitted 19 recommendations to the government, seeking substantial revisions to the draft law and urging meaningful public participation in finalising the legislation.

One of TIB’s key concerns relates to Section 3(2). While the 2025 ordinance stated that the commission would be an independent institution and would not fall under any ministry or division, the new draft omits the latter provision. According to TIB, this could enable executive control over NHRC and hinder its ability to operate independently.

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