Cabinet approves draft of National Human Rights Commission Act
Photo: BSS.
The Cabinet has given in-principle and final approval to the draft of the 'National Human Rights Commission Act, 2026'. This approval was granted at the 16th Cabinet meeting held today (Monday) evening at the Cabinet Division conference room in the Bangladesh Secretariat.
The meeting was chaired by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. A press release was issued after the meeting. It stated that respect for human rights is one of the fundamental commitments of the state. The preservation, development, and ensuring of human rights are among the core objectives of the state. Bangladesh is also committed to complying with the UN's Universal Declaration of Human Rights and various international laws, covenants, and treaties related to human rights.
The press release highlighted several notable features of the 'National Human Rights Commission Act, 2026'. These include—
(a) Specific provisions regarding the formation of the Commission and its tenure. The Commission will consist of a Chairperson and four Commissioners. A provision has been made to include at least one woman. Additionally, provisions have been added to give priority to qualified candidates from ethnic and disadvantaged communities based on the recommendations of the selection committee during the Commission's formation;
(b) The selection committee will include university professors, citizen representatives, and representatives from ethnic or disadvantaged communities.
(c) The Commission's scope of work has been clarified, and the complaint-receiving mechanism has been simplified.
(d) The Commission has been granted the authority to issue interim orders, ensuring an effective investigation mechanism and the immediate safety of victims.
(e) Provisions have been included regarding the Commission's authority to issue interim orders to ensure the immediate safety of victims or to prevent harm during the investigation; and
(f) Provisions have been made to form a National Preventive Mechanism Unit to prevent torture, death, or disappearance in custody, in accordance with the Optional Protocol to the UN Convention against Torture.
In addition, the draft of the 'Visa Policy, 2026' and the draft of the 'Bank Resolution (Amendment) Act, 2026' also received in-principle and final approval at today's meeting.
