TIB slams delay in forming Information, Rights Commissions

Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has voiced strong concern over the government's failure to form the Information Commission and the National Human Rights Commission, nearly a year after taking office.

In a statement issued Wednesday (July 23), TIB called the delay an "unacceptable example of irresponsibility and negligence," warning that the absence of these key institutions undermines transparency, accountability, and the protection of citizens' rights.

TIB Executive Director Dr. Iftekharuzzaman stated that the prolonged vacancy in leadership demonstrates a clear lack of political will to uphold the right to information and human rights. “Even during authoritarian regimes, these institutions were not left leaderless for this long,” he said.

Dr. Zaman emphasized that without the Information Commission, citizens are effectively denied their constitutional right to access public information, with no mechanism in place to appeal. He also noted that the continued absence of the Human Rights Commission—vacant since November—undermines Bangladesh’s credibility, especially as the UN prepares to open a human rights office in the country.

TIB urged the government to immediately form both commissions and implement legal and institutional reforms to ensure their independence and effectiveness.