plays a pioneering role to bring different stakeholders onto one platform for establishing their
opinion in the human rights reporting process. NHRCB also advocates to Government for accepting
the noted items as many of those were previously taken for accepted.
The Commission’s engagement with the Rohingya crisis is continuing. Since the latest exodus in
2016 NHRCB had advanced advocacy in many levels, launched campaigns, organized
consultations, made video-documentary, correspondences to different embassies, diplomatic
missions, regional and international organizations and published special bulletin on the crisis. In fact
NHRC, Bangladesh is the first institution to raise strong voice against the persecution of Rohingya
by Military backed government of Myanmar and urged to stop genocide and demanded trial of
perpetrators in ICC. NHRC also urged about ensuring return of Rohingya people to their homeland
in Myanmar with safety and all other fundamental rights. The Commission also collected testimony
of sexual harassment of Rohingya women and girls by the Myanmar army which would be placed
before ICC when trials begin in future.
Media are among the first line defenders of human rights; they always play potential role in
highlighting the human rights issues. 2018 is no exception. The Commission received extensive
cooperation from the media, both print and electronic, in disseminating information and generating
awareness among the people.
I would like to express my sense of satisfaction that all through my tenure in the Commission I have
been immensely supported by the office of Honorable President of the People’s Republic of
Bangladesh and that of Honorable Prime Minister. I am also supported by various Ministries of the
Government, particularly by MOLJ&PA, MOWCA, MOPA, MOFA, MO Finance etc. My own
colleagues and officials and staff of Human Rights Program, UNDP, have supported me every now
and then and contributed a lot to attaining the goals and objectives of the Commission. I convey my
thanks and gratitude to all who supported me. I’m also thankful to our development partners, in
particular, UNDP, SIDA and SDC for their support. The initiatives of NGOs and INGOs working
for the promotion and protection of human rights are remarkable. I must thank them for their
cooperation. Before I conclude, I must express my heartfelt gratitude to the office of Honorable
President of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh and that of Honorable Prime Minister for their
generous support and cooperation extended to us.
I reiterate my cordial thanks to all concern.
Kazi Reazul Hoque
Chairman
National Human Rights Commission, Bangladesh