Need for a strong HRC

Bangladesh National Human Rights Commission is not doing enough to uphold human rights. Violation of human rights is rampant in Bangladesh, but the NHRC seems to be reluctant to take strong steps or lodge tough protest against human rights violation. Recently the High Court asked the NHRC to explain why the rights body failed to come to the aid of a child of rape victim. NHRC also failed to play desired role to stop extra-judicial killing and its half-hearted action has raised the question about its institutional status. The present chairman of NHRC seems to have been playing a subservient role to the ruling party. Often we do not hear any protest against the wrong-doings by the ruling party leaders and activist.

The government needs to create a strong and independent national human rights body with capable people at its helm. We need to provide adequate power to make NHRC a credible and effective body to address the offences arising out of human rights violation. If we are able to do so, it will help strengthen the rule of law, ensure transparency and establish justice in society.

Saiful Islam

Baridhara DOHS, Dhaka