Dhaka, Nov 11 (V7N) — The Government of Bangladesh has issued the final gazette of the “National Human Rights Commission Ordinance, 2025,” granting the commission authority to investigate allegations of human rights violations, including cases involving intelligence or law enforcement personnel. Government officials and law enforcement members can no longer claim immunity from accountability by citing “orders from above.”

The ordinance allows commission members and designated officials to inspect any detention center, including secret “Aynaghar” facilities, without prior permission from authorities. The legislation replaces the existing 2009 law and establishes the commission as a constitutionally independent body, operating outside the jurisdiction of any government ministry or department.

The ordinance was approved by the Advisory Council on October 30, and the formal gazette was issued by the Legislative Branch of the Ministry of Law with presidential approval on Sunday night.

The ordinance empowers the commission to investigate human rights violations based on written complaints, media reports, or any other source of information. During investigations, the commission can recommend or direct interim legal measures against government officials or law enforcement officers under scrutiny. Investigators have powers equivalent to those of civil courts under the Code of Civil Procedure and may summon reports or evidence from any state agency or law enforcement body. Authorities are legally obliged to cooperate with the commission.

The commission is also authorized to inspect any location at any time, without prior notification or approval, and to involve relevant members of the public or institutions as deemed necessary for investigative purposes.

Welcoming the ordinance, the National Human Rights Commission Officers’ Association described it as a “timely and groundbreaking step.” Association President Susmita Paik and General Secretary Mohammad Tauhid Khan stated that the ordinance strengthens the commission’s ability to play an effective and independent role in protecting human rights across the country.

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