The Effectiveness of the National Human Rights Commission of Bangladesh: An Analytical Overview (2021-2025)

Abstract

This study aims to critically examine how effective the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has been between 2021-2025, a period characterised by ongoing human rights concerns, political instability, and challenges within the institution itself. The NHRC established under the 2009 Act struggled with limited independence, politicised appointments, financial constraints and legal restrictions on investigating law enforcement agencies, resulting in modest complaint disposal rates but minimal impact on systemic issues such as extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances. The student protests in 2024, which ousted the Awami League government amid violent repression, exposed the NHRC’s inaction, culminating in the mass resignation of its members in November 2024. Through an examination of NHRC’s annual reports and a comparative assessment with Asian counterparts, including India, Indonesia, and the Philippines, this study identifies structural, political, and resources-related obstacles that hinder compliance with the Paris Principle. The research concludes with recommendations, depoliticized concludes with binding recommendations, and regional expansion to strengthen the institutions.