Govt silence is ‘like law violation’: NHRC Chair
National Human Rights Commission Chairperson Nasima Begum yesterday said the government's silence in giving feedback to the commission's recommendations is similar to violating law.
Relevant law has allowed the commission to send recommendation to the government, she said, while addressing enforced disappearance, extra-judicial killing, and provision-18 of the National Human Rights Commission Act-2009 during a virtual discussion.
"I cannot give order but my request will be like an order. They have to make it effective and send me feedback. It may not happen that they will entertain all of my requests. If necessary, they will explain why they didn't do it. But they cannot remain silent," she added.
Rights group Ain O Salish Kendra (ASK) organised the virtual discussion on "A Decade of NHRC: Efficacy, Existing Challenges and Opportunities."
As per provision-18 of the National Human Rights Commission Act-2009, the commission on its own initiative or through a letter can seek reports from the government in case of allegation of rights violation against law enforcement agencies or its members.
Upon receiving the report, the commission, if necessary, can send recommendation to the government on what can be done regarding the relevant issue, the provision says.
On the other hand, upon receiving the recommendation, the government within six months will inform in written to the commission regarding the steps taken on the matter, it adds.
Addressing the discussion as chief guest, Nasima Begum said not abiding by such provision of the law will be similar to violating the law.
She said the commission will bring the issue to the knowledge of the law minister and raise that the commission will not allow more than six months in getting such feedback.
Besides, the commission will hold "dialogue" with the home ministry where it will discuss the matter, she also said.
Nasim Begum added, the commission never supported incidents of enforced disappearance and extra-judicial killing.
Moderated by ASK Executive Director Golam Monwar Kamal, the discussion was addressed, among others, by eminent jurist Shahdeen Malik, human rights lawyer Barrister Jyotirmoy Barua, rights activist Nur Khan, adivasi leader Sanjeeb Drong, former member of the commission Banchita Chakma, and Supreme Court lawyer M Abdul Alim.
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