Non-Functional Human Rights and Information Commissions

A recent incident involving a banned Chhatra League leader from Bagerhat has drawn public attention and sparked discussions around the application of human rights standards in Bangladesh. The individual was not granted parole to attend the funeral prayers of his wife and infant child. Instead, the bodies were brought to the prison gate for final rites. Several non-governmental human rights organisations expressed concern, describing the incident as inconsistent with humanitarian norms.

Despite similar allegations surfacing at different times, no visible intervention has been observed from the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC). Although the commission exists under law, it has remained effectively inactive for nearly a year and a half.

Following the political transition after the mass uprising in August 2024, the then chairperson and members of the NHRC resigned in November. Since then, the commission has not been reconstituted, resulting in the absence of an operational national human rights oversight body.

A comparable situation exists at the Information Commission. Since September 2024, the commission has been largely non-functional. After the resignation and removal of its leadership, no new chief information commissioner or commissioners have been appointed.

Consequently, complaints related to the right to information have accumulated without resolution. More than 600 complaints remain pending, as hearings cannot be conducted in the absence of commissioners.

Analysts and governance experts have noted that the prolonged inactivity of these two statutory institutions has weakened institutional accountability mechanisms. Concerns have been raised regarding delays in restoring full functionality to bodies responsible for safeguarding human rights and ensuring transparency.

At a later stage of its tenure, the interim government initiated steps to reconstitute the National Human Rights Commission. According to the Ministry of Law, applications were invited for the positions of chairperson and commissioners, and a selection process is currently underway, with appointments expected to be finalised soon.

In contrast, progress regarding the Information Commission has been limited. Former commissioners resigned or were removed in 2024, and the commission currently operates without appointed commissioners or a permanent secretary. As a result, hearings remain suspended.

According to official sources, more than 12,000 applications for information were filed nationwide in 2024 alone. Since the commission became inactive, unresolved complaints have continued to increase.

Transparency and governance specialists have emphasised that functional oversight institutions are essential for strengthening democratic accountability, protecting citizens’ rights, and ensuring access to information. They have called for timely reconstitution of these bodies in line with legal procedures and constitutional principles.