Technical flaws in ordinances of enforced disappearance, human rights need correction: Home minister

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed has said that some technical and legal inconsistencies in the current ordinances related to the enforced disappearance commission and human rights need to be reviewed and corrected

“The law we received from the disappearance commission has one or two errors or inconsistencies that need to be scrutinised,” he said while speaking at a dialogue titled “National Human Rights Commission Ordinance 2025: Expectations from the New Parliament,” organised by the Citizens’ Platform at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Center today (11 March).

The minister said the intention behind the ordinance was good but added that it requires deeper examination.

“Perhaps those who drafted it did not go into sufficient depth, although the intention was good. In particular, scrutiny is needed regarding the definition of ‘superior liability’ – who exactly will be held accountable under this provision,” he said.

He also said Bangladesh must move step by step to bring the level of human rights violations in the country down to zero in the future.

Referring to the interim government’s legislative actions, the home adviser said more than 133 ordinances have been issued based on its policy priorities.

“Many of these may be accepted, but several require extensive discussion. Both the ruling party and the opposition will analyse each issue in detail in parliament,” he said.

Salahuddin noted that although there is a constitutional requirement to pass these ordinances within 30 days of the start of a parliamentary session, time constraints may cause some of them to lapse.

“However, following parliamentary procedures, those ordinances will later be brought as bills and passed through the proper process,” he added.

The minister emphasised that the government wants to remain within a constitutional framework.

“Imposing anything by force has never brought good results for a nation,” he added.

On human rights, the minister said Bangladesh aims to reach international standards but must consider its social, religious traditions and geographical realities.

“Sensitive issues such as LGBTQ matters or the Chittagong Hill Tracts cannot adopt Western standards overnight. We need breathing space and must proceed gradually,” he said.

Referring to the July Uprising, he said, “Filing cases against those who took up arms against oppression is like accusing freedom fighters of being Razakars,” he said.

He added that providing indemnity or protection for the July fighters is a national commitment.