Bangladesh Human Rights Commission Members Resign Over Government Inaction

Apr 13, 2026

63 min

Apr 13, 2026 19:30

Members of Bangladesh human rights body resign over govt inaction

## Mass Resignation in Bangladesh's Human Rights Body

All five members of Bangladesh's National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) have resigned, citing the government's failure to renew enhanced powers for the commission. This move comes as a protest against the inaction of the newly elected Bangladesh National Party (BNP) government.

## Background of the Political Shift

The BNP secured a significant victory in the February elections, marking the first elections since a 2024 student-led uprising ousted long-time leader Sheikh Hasina. Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus led an interim government, during which he introduced several key rights ordinances, including one that strengthened the NHRC's authority.

## Concerns Over Reverting to Old Laws

The resigning NHRC members expressed concerns that without the new ordinances, the commission would revert to operating under a 2009 law, which they argue is ineffective in addressing human rights issues like extrajudicial killings and forced disappearances. Outgoing member Noor Khan highlighted that the old law limits the commission's ability to investigate abuses by security agencies.

## Government's Response

In response, key government ministers have stated that the lapsed ordinances will be reviewed and reintroduced. Law Minister Asaduzzaman mentioned plans to create a more contemporary and effective legal framework to ensure justice, aiming to avoid legal conflicts by repealing outdated ordinances.

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