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Bangladesh’s Jatiya Sangsad on Sunday passed the National Human Rights Commission Bill, 2026 and the Enforced Disappearance Prevention and Redress Bill, 2026, amid strong objections and a walkout by opposition lawmakers.
The two bills were passed by voice vote during the ongoing parliamentary session. Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Md Asaduzzaman piloted the Human Rights Commission Bill, while Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed moved the enforced disappearance bill.
The enforced disappearance legislation seeks to criminalise enforced disappearance and establish measures for preventing such cases, ensuring punishment for those responsible and providing remedies and rights for victims and their families.
The Human Rights Commission Bill provides a new legal framework for the National Human Rights Commission.
However, opposition lawmakers criticised both bills, arguing that they are weaker than earlier legal provisions and contain loopholes that could limit accountability for state agencies. They walked out of the chamber before the bills were passed.
The parliamentary committees had recommended several changes to the bills before they were placed for final approval.
