Bangladesh Human Rights Commission to gain criminal investigative powers as bill reaches parliament

Bangladesh is moving to enact a new National Human Rights Commission Act, granting the commission powers akin to a criminal investigating officer for probing human rights violations, authority to arrest accused individuals in specific circumstances, and the mandate to inspect any premises without prior notice to authorities.

Under the proposed law, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has also been given scope to take action against members of law-enforcing agencies and the armed forces over allegations of human rights abuses.

Law Minister Md Asaduzzaman introduced the National Human Rights Commission Bill 2026 in the parliament on Thursday.

Following its introduction, the bill was referred to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on the Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs for scrutiny, with instructions to submit a report within two working days.

Once passed, the bill will repeal the existing National Human Rights Commission Act of 2009.