'National Human Rights Commission Act, 2026' approved by cabinet

The cabinet has given final approval to the draft of the 'National Human Rights Commission Act, 2026'. The approval was given at a cabinet meeting held at the Secretariat on Monday, August 10.

The meeting was chaired by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. The information was provided in a press release issued by the Cabinet Division.

It stated that respect for human rights is one of the state's fundamental commitments, and the protection, development and ensuring of human rights is one of the state's core objectives. Additionally, Bangladesh is committed to upholding various international laws, charters and treaties on human rights, including the UN's Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

The press release said it is essential to establish an effective and independent human rights commission for the protection, development and ensuring of human rights. Accordingly, the draft of the 'National Human Rights Commission Act, 2026' has been formulated. The notable features of the 'National Human Rights Commission Act, 2026' include specific provisions regarding the formation and term of the commission. The commission will consist of one chairperson and four commissioners, with a provision for including at least one woman.

Additionally, provisions have been made to give priority to eligible candidates from ethnic groups and disadvantaged communities upon the recommendation of a selection committee in the formation of the commission.

The selection committee includes university professors, civil society representatives and representatives of ethnic or disadvantaged communities.

The act has simplified the complaint-handling mechanism while clarifying the commission's scope of work, including an effective investigation system and ensuring the immediate safety of victims, and has empowered the commission to issue interim orders.

Provisions have been included to empower the commission to issue interim orders to ensure the immediate safety of victims or prevent harm during investigations. In line with the UN's Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture, provisions have been included to form a National Preventive Mechanism (NPM) unit to prevent custodial torture, death or disappearances.