Human Rights Commission Ordinance repeal and controversy: Victims angry over fear of injustice
The new dream journey that began with the hope of improving the human rights situation in the country and bringing justice to the horrific disappearances and murders that have occurred in recent years has come to a standstill in an instant. Most recently, the Human Rights Commission Ordinance repeal and controversy The decision to not implement the ordinance issued by the interim government has caused widespread discussion, criticism, and concern across the country. Those who have been fighting in the streets for a decade and a half seeking justice for the loss of their loved ones have been most disappointed by the decision.
Following the August 5 coup, a special ordinance was issued to reconstitute the National Human Rights Commission and increase its powers. The aim was to ensure transparent investigations into serious crimes such as disappearances, crossfires, and extrajudicial killings. But in recent times, the Human Rights Commission Ordinance repeal and controversy It has raised a big question mark in the public mind. Various analyses are underway as to why this important legal framework is being extinguished before it sees the light of day.
According to government sources, according to the constitution, if an ordinance is not passed within 30 days of the first session of the National Parliament, it automatically becomes invalid. However, those concerned believe that this is not only a legal complication but also a lack of political will behind it. The Law Minister recently stated that there are some inconsistencies in the International Criminal Tribunal Act with the punishment of a separate law for enforced disappearance. However, human rights activists are reluctant to accept this argument. According to them, the Human Rights Commission Ordinance repeal and controversy It can essentially create an indirect way to protect criminals.
The allegations of the victims’ families are more serious. They claim that the government is taking this path to protect members of the law enforcement agencies involved in disappearances and murders. For example, the commission that was formed after the July uprising included many experienced and courageous personalities. But before it could begin its work, the Human Rights Commission Ordinance was repealed and controversial. They are tying their hands and feet.
Relatives of the families of disappeared victims believe that if the Human Rights Commission cannot be strengthened, it will be impossible to get justice. MKSS News: The investigation revealed that the commission currently has thousands of complaints pending. Without the power to investigate these large numbers of human rights violations, the commission will become a mere nominal institution. The repeal of the power to investigate government officials, especially those granted by the ordinance, is a major setback for the country’s judiciary.
Many, like Barrister Arman, believe that if there were any mistakes in any section of the law, it could have been corrected, but it is in no way acceptable to keep the entire ordinance in effect. Human Rights Commission Ordinance repeal and controversy Speaking about it, he mentioned that as a result, the victims once again faced extreme uncertainty.
International human rights organizations have also expressed deep concern about this incident. In particular, Amnesty International organizations like this have always been demanding a strong and independent human rights commission in Bangladesh. Human Rights Commission Ordinance repeal and controversy Experts fear that it could jeopardize Bangladesh’s image in the international arena.
Thousands of people like the family of Mostafizur Rahman Sifat of Khulna are counting their days waiting for justice. According to Sifat’s brother, who was abducted by RAB in 2016, they thought they might at least get justice for their brother’s murder in the new Bangladesh. But the Human Rights Commission Ordinance repeal and controversy Their hopes have been dashed.
Former chairman of the commission, Justice Mainul Islam Chowdhury, called the move “unprecedented and unfortunate.” According to him, if the Human Rights Commission is not allowed to function independently, it is not possible to establish justice in society. In conclusion, the Human Rights Commission Ordinance repeal and controversy This is not just a legal issue; it is also a struggle to protect the fundamental rights of all citizens of the country. If the government does not take effective action on this issue soon, the culture of impunity may once again take root.
Currently, the Human Rights Commission Ordinance repeal and controversy The conscious civil society across the country is looking forward to the government’s next steps on the issue. The need of the hour is to ensure proper investigation and exemplary punishment of the perpetrators.