Ensure legal protection for environmental human rights defenders: Rizwana Hasan

Environmental Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan has called for legal protection and structural safeguards for environmental human rights defenders in Bangladesh.

Speaking as the chief discussant at a national consultation on the draft National Human Rights Commission Ordinance 2025, held at capital's Hotel InterContinental on Saturday (October 11), Rizwana stressed that environmental defenders are increasingly becoming targets of violence globally, which the UN treats with high importance.

"Bangladesh’s laws must reflect this concern," she said.

She emphasized the judiciary’s role in protecting human rights and recommended empowering the commission legally to ensure enforceable decisions from mediation and arbitration.

She also proposed to include government agencies and law enforcement in the definition of “person”, forming a dedicated legal panel for the commission, strengthening coordination with law enforcement.

She also said the proposed law should complement other commissions, such as those on police, women, enforced disappearances, and media, requiring inter-legal alignment.

Law Adviser Asif Nazrul, Housing and Public Works Adviser Adilur Rahman Khan, Attorney General Asaduzzaman, Swiss Ambassador Reto Renggli, Denmark Deputy Head Anders Carlsen, and UNDP's Stefan Liller.