HR Commission made strong
National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) is set to resume its functions in full swing in a couple of days as the parliament passed a bill yesterday to this effect with a set of new provisions for strengthening the rights watchdog.
Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Shafique Ahmed proposed passage of the bill with recommendations of a parliamentary committee that scrutinised the bill.
The bill, recommended by the parliamentary body on law ministry, says that with the passage of the bill, the NHRC may also look into allegations of human rights violation against disciplined forces through a special procedure.
A provision of the bill says the commission can seek reports from the government on allegations of human rights violation by a disciplined force. If the rights watchdog finds the report satisfactory, it will not proceed further.
NHRC will, however, recommend that the government take measures against them, if necessary. In that case, the government will have to turn in a follow-up report within six months.
According to 152 (1) of the constitution, the disciplined forces stand for the armed forces and police and “any other force declared by the law as a disciplined force”.
In the wake of long-standing demands, the NHRC was formed on September 1 last year following the promulgation of an ordinance by the past caretaker government.
But the ordinance ceased to have effect on February 25 this year, as it was not ratified in parliament within the timeframe stipulated in the constitution halting the functions of the commission.
Against the backdrop, the Awami League-led government placed a bill in parliament on March 2 seeking to enact a law to continue the functions of the commission.
The passage of the bill will now legalise NHRC's previous activities carried out under the ordinance.
After the passage of the bill the parliament secretariat will send it to President Zillur Rahman for his consent and after that the law will come into effect.
NHRC will investigate reports or complaints of human rights violations, negligence in carrying out human rights of people and ensure standard of prisons or correction facilities. It will mediate between disputing parties, if necessary.
It may also advise the government on the enforcement of international human rights covenants.
The aim of the watchdog is to protect and ensure human rights of people in the country by keeping pace with the world.
Comments