DHAKA, Mar 11, (V7N) – Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed on Wednesday said the government intends to cultivate a culture of responsible politics, beginning with the Jatiya Sangsad, while also advancing reforms in human rights legislation.

Speaking at a dialogue titled “Human Rights Commission Ordinance 2025: Expectations for the New Parliament” organized by Citizen Platform–Reform Watch at the Bangladesh China‑Friendship Conference Center, Salahuddin emphasized that good political culture must be nurtured gradually. “It is not possible to implement it overnight, but we want to start practising good political culture from the National Parliament,” he said.

The minister announced that the government has proposed allowing the opposition to nominate the Deputy Speaker, underscoring its commitment to inclusive and constructive parliamentary practices. He added, “We want to promote good democratic practices and eliminate the bad culture of the past by nurturing a positive political culture.”

The dialogue was chaired by Dr Debapriya Bhattacharya, convener of Citizen Platform and fellow of CPD, and attended by MPs Barrister A. M. Mahbub Uddin Khokon, Advocate Md Fazlur Rahman, Barrister Rumeen Farhana, Advocate Ahmed Azam Khan, as well as Professor Rehman Sobhan, Barrister Sara Hossain, Khushi Kabir, and others.

Salahuddin noted that serious human rights violations occurred under the previous regime due to misuse of state machinery. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting constitutional rights, citing its 31‑point plan and election manifesto. “We aim to improve Bangladesh’s human rights standards and indicators at the international level, but this will take time,” he said.

The minister confirmed that the government has agreed on almost all aspects of the Human Rights Commission Ordinance 2025, with some amendments to be introduced as bills in Parliament.

On the 133 ordinances issued during the interim government, Salahuddin said most could be accepted as they are, while others require discussion. He reminded that under the Constitution, ordinances must be passed, amended, or repealed within 30 days of the first parliamentary session, otherwise they lapse but can be reintroduced later.

He added that the government will deliver an opening speech in Parliament and take steps within the first 30 days, including action on the Human Rights Commission Ordinance and seven ordinances under the Home Ministry.

END/AJ/RH