Bangladesh Human Rights Commission to get interim powers to protect victims during probes

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) is set to gain the power to issue interim orders to protect victims from immediate threats while investigating rights violations.

The cabinet gave final approval to the draft National Human Rights Commission Act 2026 at a meeting presided over by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman at the Secretariat on Monday.

The proposed law aims to strengthen human rights protection and uphold Bangladesh’s commitments under international human rights laws, conventions and treaties.

It seeks to clarify the commission’s mandate, simplify complaint procedures and strengthen investigations. 

During an investigation, the commission could issue interim orders to ensure a victim’s immediate safety or prevent potential harm.

The draft proposes a five-member commission comprising a chairperson and four commissioners, including at least one woman.

It also prioritises qualified candidates from ethnic minority and disadvantaged communities, based on recommendations from a selection committee that would include a university professor, civil society representative and representatives of those communities.

The law also provides for a National Preventive Mechanism unit to prevent torture, deaths and enforced disappearances in custody under the UN Convention Against Torture’s Optional Protocol.