Dhaka, Apr 09 (V7N) – The National Parliament has passed a bill repealing the National Human Rights Commission (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025 and reinstating the National Human Rights Commission Act, 2009.

The bill was passed on Thursday, the 12th day of the first session of Parliament, through a voice vote despite objections from opposition members.

Opposing the move, Comilla-4 MP Hasnat Abdullah argued that those currently in government might have opposed such a decision before the July events. He warned that repealing the 2025 ordinance could risk turning the National Human Rights Commission into a “tool of political repression” once again.

In response, Law Minister Md. Asaduzzaman defended the bill, stating that the 2009 law has been restored temporarily to allow further consultation and review with stakeholders. He emphasized that the move ensures the Commission’s operations are not left in a legal vacuum during the reform process.

It is worth noting that the interim government had amended the 2009 law and issued the 2025 ordinance on December 5, 2024. The latest parliamentary decision effectively rolls back that amendment while discussions on future reforms continue.

END/SMA/AJ