Dhaka, Oct 30 (V7N)- The Advisory Council has approved a new ordinance to strengthen the National Human Rights Commission, giving it broader powers and making it more effective in protecting citizens’ rights. The decision was taken at a council meeting presided over by Chief Advisor Professor Muhammad Yunus at the Office of the Chief Advisor.

After the meeting, Advisor on Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Dr. Asif Nazrul briefed journalists at the Foreign Service Academy, saying that the previous Human Rights Commission was largely ineffective due to flaws in appointments, limited jurisdiction, and weak leadership.

The new ordinance introduces fundamental changes in the commission’s structure, jurisdiction, and appointment process. The commission will now consist of a chairman and four full-time members, selected by a seven-member selection committee headed by a judge of the Appellate Division. Applications will be publicly invited, and candidates will be interviewed to ensure transparency and eligibility.

Dr. Nazrul emphasized that the commission will now have jurisdiction over fundamental rights in the constitution, human rights recognized in international treaties ratified by Bangladesh, and rights under customary international law. The commission will also be empowered to investigate violations by state institutions and disciplinary forces, a limitation that had hindered the previous commission.

In addition, the commission is tasked with enforcing laws protecting human rights, including the Law on the Prevention, Remedy and Protection of Victims of Disappearances, eliminating the need for a separate ‘Disappearance Commission’. The ordinance makes compliance with the commission’s recommendations mandatory, giving its directives legal force.

The briefing was attended by Chief Advisor’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam and Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumdar.

END/SMA/AJ