ensure exemplary punishment to the murderers. We wrote to concerned ministries after gas cylinder blast
in Mirpur. In addition, we requested to Executive Director of CPD to arrange for artificial limb for a
wounded woman who lost her hand in this blast. CPD responded us very cordially.
In recent times, violence against women, rape and attack have been terrific. I believe, social
intolerance, degrading humane values are the main reasons behind these increased incidences. Bangladesh is the role model of women empowerment in world. In our country, various initiatives are taken for
women empowerment. In spite of that, women are facing misconducts including sexual harassment in
transports and workplaces. It affects women empowerment and state’s achievements get blurred as a
result of this. It is important to arrest the perpetrators, submit them before court, complete the investigation properly and ensure exemplary punishment by speedy trial immediately. NHRC called on to
strengthen LEAs surveillance. The commission also called on the Ministry of Road Transport and Bridges to install CCTV camera in public transport and take effective measures in this regard.
NHRC has taken a number of initiatives to celebrate 100th birthday of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in 17 March 2020- 17 March 2021. Bangabandhu dedicated his life for
establishing human rights. Bearing this into mind, NHRC sets theme “Commitment of Mujib Year,
Human Rights will be protected”. NHRC is going to organize easy competition titled “Bangabandhu &
Human Rights” to introduce youths with humane Bangabandhu and human rights. Students of Class
09-10 and 11-12 will participate at the competition. I think, as a result, human rights awareness will be
raised among students, parents and teachers. In next year, to celebrate Mujib year a grand rally and an
international seminar titled “Bangabandhu’s religious belief and human rights” will be organized.
Besides, after consulting with Thematic Committee on Persons with Disabilities and related ministries
and organization, NHRC will take initiative to make roads, transports and footpaths accessible for
Persons with Disabilities with the ail of ensuring accessible Dhaka.
From the beginning in 2009, NHRC is taking various initiatives for the protection and promotion
of human rights. Inspite of that Global Alliance For National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI) has
accredited B status to NHRC, Bangladesh. According to GANHRI, the Commission could not be accredited A status for not complying with the important provisions of Paris Principles. Actually, the NHRC
Act 2009 though which the Commission was established has the loopholes. The Commission cannot be
liable for this. Besides, on one hand, amendment of the Act takes time, on the other hand, the amendment
doesn’t depend on only NHRC’s will. It is very regretful that only for not amending some provisions of
the Act, NHRC has not got the highest status despite being member state of UN Human Rights Council
for three times. Despite similar provisions in the Acts of NHRC, India and NHRC, Bangladesh; India has
got A status whereas Bangladesh got B status. We think, it shows discriminatory approach towards Bangladesh. Often we notice, the act contains lots of good provisions but lacks effective implementation.
What the Commission is doing in accordance with it’s mandate should be considered when it comes to
the selection of status. For example, present Commission has taken and is going to take various activities
to elevate human rights from root to the center and to awake humane values. We think, status selection
based on this would be prudent.
Despite progress in many ways, the Commission still has some limitations. For instance, the
Commission doesn’t has any permanent building. For making the ongoing activities more swift it is very
important to have permanent building. To this end, Commission members negotiated with government
and got positive response. At present, Commission has only 48 manpower. Besides, we are taking initiatives of amendmending organisational structure and increasing manpower for making the ongoing activities faster.
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