The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) formally began its journey yesterday, with its chairman and two members joining the office amid high hopes of promoting human rights and justice.

"The authorities should work without fear or favour to ensure justice for all," NHRC Chairman Justice Amirul Kabir Chowdhury said and sought all-out cooperation in checking violations of human rights.

The people cannot live a meaningful life if they fail to enjoy their rights as a human being, he said as the chief guest at a discussion titled 'Justice and Rights Towards Prosperity'.

The law ministry in association with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) organised the discussion at Spectra Convention Centre in the city to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Earlier, NHRC Chairman Justice Amirul Kabir Chowdhury and Commissioners Munira Khan and Prof Niru Kumar Chakma signed the appointment letters together at the commission office at Hare Road in the morning.

"We held the first official meeting today (Monday) and discussed the issue of manpower required for the commission. We also talked about transport and a permanent office for the commission," Prof Chakma told The Daily Star.

Anybody subject to human rights violations anywhere in the country can report to the commission, he said. "So far, only the NGOs have been working on this issue. Now that there is an independent public commission, it will look into human rights abuses."

The media can play an important role in this regard, Prof Chakma said, adding that they are hopeful that the commission would be able to upgrade the human rights status in the country.

Speaking as the chair at the discussion, Law Adviser AF Hassan Ariff said the state policy recognises the full human dignity of each and every citizen of the country.

Bangladesh is also a party to most international human rights declarations, he said, adding that "We are confident that the commission will accomplish our mission of establishing human rights and justice for all."

"Today is a historic day for Bangladesh, as the commissioners start their office," said UNDP Resident Representative Renata Lok Dessallien. "There are a lot of disturbances of human rights in Bangladesh and so, the task of the commission will be extremely challenging."

"We live in a democratic country where the government, NGOs and individuals pledge to protect human rights," said NHRC Commissioner Munira Khan. The citizens, however, have been deprived of their due rights for long, she added.

"We have started our journey to put an end to human rights violations and to promote justice and political rights. We seek cooperation of all," Munira Khan said.

National Human Rights Commission Ordinance-2007 came into effect on September 1 to establish the commission, which will investigate reports or complaints about human rights abuses and maintain the standards of prisons or correction facilities. It will also mediate between disputing parties, if necessary.