Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Adviser to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, has urged the government to strengthen both the institutional capacity and legal foundations of the proposed National Human Rights Commission Ordinance, 2025 to ensure the effective protection of human rights and environmental justice in Bangladesh.
Speaking at a National Consultation on the Draft Ordinance held at the InterContinental Dhaka on Saturday, Rizwana Hasan described the draft law as “comprehensive and well-drafted,” covering areas such as investigation, recommendation, compensation, training, arbitration, and mediation. However, she warned that its effectiveness would hinge on the Commission’s empowerment and operational capacity.
“Just putting people in the chair will not be enough,” she cautioned. “We must orient them with the soft values of human rights, alongside institutional and legal mechanisms necessary for enforcement.”
Referring to the judiciary’s crucial role in addressing rights violations, Rizwana Hasan emphasized stronger coordination between the judiciary and human rights institutions.
“Despite important directions from the courts, a sense of helplessness sometimes persists in ensuring enforcement,” she observed.
The Environment Adviser said the Commission’s recommendations must carry both moral and legal authority. “Moral force is vital in a country like Bangladesh, but there must also be enforceable mechanisms, particularly for arbitration and mediation outcomes,” she added.
Highlighting specific areas for improvement, she proposed expanding the definition of “person” in the draft law to include government agencies and law enforcement bodies—essential for ensuring accountability. She also recommended creating a panel of lawyers within the Commission to enhance its investigative and advisory capacity, as well as introducing regular performance evaluations.
Rizwana Hasan further stressed that the Human Rights Commission should work in harmony with other proposed commissions—such as those on police reform, women’s rights, enforced disappearances, and media freedom—to establish a coherent legal framework for human rights protection.
Commending the Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs for its inclusive and consultative process, she reminded policymakers not to overlook environmental human rights defenders.
“While protecting human rights defenders, please do not forget the environmental human rights defenders,” she said, citing the global rise in attacks against them and the UN’s dedicated protection framework.
Among others, the consultation was addressed by Dr. Asif Nazrul, Adviser, Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs; Adilur Rahman Khan, Adviser, Ministry of Housing and Public Works; Md. Asaduzzaman, Attorney General of Bangladesh; Reto Siegfried Renggli, Ambassador of Switzerland to Bangladesh; Anders B. Karlsen, Deputy Head of Mission, Embassy of Denmark; Stefan Liller, UNDP Bangladesh; Dr. Hafiz Ahmed Chowdhury, Secretary, LPAD, Ministry of Law; and Romana Schweiger, Senior Rule of Law, Justice and Security Advisor, UNDP Bangladesh.
The event brought together senior government officials, UN representatives, development partners, human rights advocates, and members of civil society.
