HRW expresses concern over Bangladeshi government’s legislative removal of human rights safeguards News
Gary Todd, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
HRW expresses concern over Bangladeshi government’s legislative removal of human rights safeguards

Human Rights Watch on Tuesday condemned the Bangladeshi Parliament for its introduction of a new legislation that reverses human rights protections and removes existing legal safeguards against enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings.

Elaine Pearson, Asia director at HRW, stated:

Tarique Rahman came to office promising reform, after protesters risked their lives to overthrow a government that had committed widespread and severe rights violations. It is deeply alarming to see the new government so quickly following in the abusive footsteps of Sheikh Hasina, because we have seen where this can lead.

The interim government enacted two ordinances: the National Human Rights Commission Ordinance 2025 and the Enforced Disappearance Prevention and Remedy Ordinance 2025. These ordinances strengthened the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) by providing independent powers of prevention, investigation, and accountability. After the Bangladeshi election, the government, under Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has now voted to remove these two ordinances.

The first piece of legislation, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) Legislation, strips the NHRC of its independence and investigative powers. HRW criticized the law adopted by the current government for its non-compliance with international standards set by the Paris Principles, which outlines the minimum requirements for the status, operation, and credibility of National Human Rights Institutions.

The second piece of legislation, the Enforced Disappearance Prevention and Redress Act, alters mechanisms for accountability, shifting away from independent boards. As a result, a HRW director calls for “real security sector reform and an independent human rights body with the authority to investigate allegations of abuse.” The new law allows the government of Bangladesh to determine which agencies should be responsible for probing allegations.

On its face, the third law, the Special Response Battalion Act, abolishes the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB). In effect, the law renames the force and provides fewer safeguards. The new law effectively transfers all property of the RAB to a new force, the Special Response Battalion (SRB). The SRB began its functions on September 16. The RAB had been sanctioned by the government of the United States for its role in abuses. Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed believes the renaming of the force may lead the US government to reconsider sanctions. HRW asserts the US should maintain its sanctions until adequate human rights measures are put in place. 

While Prime Minister Tarique Rahman pledges reform to the country, there remains a concern that the government will revert to the terrible abuses of the past government under the Awami League. Despite strong objections, all three bills were passed.

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