NATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION Council in 2009 as a part of the UPR process. As the second cycle of UPR will be held in May 2013, Bangladesh must submit its State Report by 2012, while stakeholders’ reports, including that of the NHRC, are due to the Human Rights Council in Geneva by October 2012. Accordingly, the NHRC formulated a detailed plan of action in support of the UPR process which goes into effect from the beginning of 2012. During 2011, NHRC organized several capacity building programs for the Commissioners, NHRC staff and various stakeholders as a part of the initial support for the UPR process. The NHRC fervently hope that the country’s human rights record will continue to improve and the rule of law will be strengthening through effective implementation of core human rights treaties as well as existing national laws that safeguard people’s fundamental rights. The Commission a c k n o w l e d g e s t h e G o v e r n m e n t ’s commitment and support to the NHRC, and recognizes the essential role of NGOs and civil society in supporting the Commission to build its institutional capacity, which in turn will enable the NHRC to fulfil its duty to protect and promote the rights of the people of this country. Kazi Reazul Hoque Full Time Member National Human Rights Commission 11