TIB wants debate before passage of rights, enforced disappearance bills

Transparency International Bangladesh has urged parliament to hold meaningful debate before passing the National Human Rights Commission Bill, 2026 and the Prevention and Remedy of Enforced Disappearance Bill, 2026, saying major gaps in provisions for independent investigations.

In a statement today (3 September), TIB Executive Director Dr Iftekharuzzaman said parliamentary committees had proposed some positive amendments but failed to address fundamental weaknesses in ensuring impartial investigations into serious human rights violations.

TIB welcomed proposals to ensure representation of indigenous and disadvantaged communities on the Human Rights Commission, disqualify loan defaulters from becoming commissioners, and remove prior approval requirements for inspecting detention facilities other than military detention centres.

However, it criticised the continued dominance of government representatives in the commission’s selection committee and provisions allowing up to 30% of its workforce to comprise government officials on deputation.

The lack of full financial independence would also undermine the commission’s effectiveness, Iftekharuzzaman said.

He said the most concerning provision was Section 19, under which the commission would not be able to independently investigate serious allegations against law enforcement agencies. Instead, the accused agency or institution would be responsible for preparing the probe report.

TIB said the provision was weaker than the Paris Principles and Bangladesh’s existing law.

The proposed enforced disappearance bill also fails to ensure adequate accountability, according to TIB. Although Section 14(3) bars an accused agency from investigating its own members, it allows another law enforcement agency or an inter-agency team to conduct the probe.

Given past allegations of links between intelligence and law enforcement agencies in disappearance cases, TIB termed this a “cosmetic change”.

The organisation particularly criticised the provision allowing up to five years’ jail for “false or vexatious” complaints, saying this could deter victims’ families from seeking justice.

TIB urged parliament to avoid rushing the bills through a voice vote and make substantive amendments in line with international standards.