National Human Rights Commission of Bangladesh
NHRC
Summary
The National Human Rights Commission of Bangladesh (NHRC) was established under the National Human Rights Commission Act 2009. It consists of a Chairman and up to six members appointed by the President on the advice of a selection committee. Section 18 of the Act specifically governs the disciplined force and law-enforcing agencies: the NHRC may only request a report from the government on alleged human rights violations — it cannot independently investigate. The NHRC may visit jails and detention centres and make non-binding recommendations. Annual reports are submitted to the President and laid before Parliament. The NHRC has itself advocated for abolition of Section 18 to enable direct investigation authority over law enforcement.
Independence Scorecard
| Appointment | Executive appointment |
|---|---|
| Term length | 3 years |
| Removal standard | For cause only |
| Budget independence | Legislative line item |
| Subpoena power | No |
| Compel testimony | No |
| Records access | Restricted |
| Public reports required | Yes |
| Pre-publication review | None — reports published directly |
Statute
- Name
- National Human Rights Commission Act, 2009
- Citation
- Act No. 2009/53, Section 18
- Full text
- Full text of law →
Jurisdiction scope
All persons in Bangladesh; may request reports from disciplinary forces and law-enforcing agencies on human rights violations under Section 18 of the NHRC Act 2009; may visit jails, correctional centres, and places of custody and make recommendations.