Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has expressed deep concern that the government’s draft of the National Human Rights Commission Act would prevent the commission from functioning as an independent institution. On Monday, TIB submitted 19 recommendations to the government, noting that the proposed law introduces fundamental changes from the 2025 ordinance that contradict long-standing public expectations for an autonomous commission and conflict with the Paris Principles and other international standards.

According to TIB, the draft law removes a key clause ensuring the commission’s independence from any ministry or department, potentially placing it under executive control. The selection committee for commissioners now includes the Speaker, two ministers, a ruling party MP, and the Cabinet Secretary, which TIB says risks political dominance and conflicts of interest. The organization also urged inclusion of provisions allowing the commission to inspect detention sites, recommend actions against unlawful facilities, and ensure gender and minority representation among commissioners.

TIB further recommended restoring the commission’s authority to independently investigate human rights violations by law enforcement and eliminating provisions that restrict its powers compared to the 2009 law.