Advisory council clears three ordinances

Bangla Press Desk:   The Advisory Council has given final approval to the National Human Rights Commission Ordinance, 2025, aimed at strengthening the country’s previously “toothless” rights body by addressing major flaws in the existing law.

The approval came at the council’s weekly meeting, held on Thursday at the Chief Adviser’s Office (CAO), with Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus in the chair.

Briefing journalists after the meeting at the Foreign Service Academy in the capital, Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Adviser Prof Asif Nazrul and Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam detailed the key decisions.

Prof Nazrul said, “We had a human rights commission, but it was a ‘toothless’ institution. There were serious problems in its appointment system and a lack of jurisdiction. Moreover, individuals who were appointed often could not or did not exercise legal authorities.”

He then said, “We have tried to make it much stronger, a truly powerful institution capable of effectively preventing human rights violations.”

Under the new ordinance, the definition of human rights has been broadened to include rights recognised under existing national laws, international treaties ratified by Bangladesh, and customary international human rights law.

This expansion will allow the commission to engage in matters beyond the fundamental rights enshrined in the Constitution.

Human Organ Transplantation Ordinance approved

The Advisory Council also gave final approval to the Human Organ Transplantation Ordinance, which expands eligibility for organ donation beyond immediate family members to include individuals with close emotional ties.

Prof Nazrul explained, “Under the current law, only family members can donate organs for transplants. As a result, many patients travel abroad and pay for transplants from unrelated donors. The new ordinance will allow people with emotional attachment to donate organs selflessly, providing legal validity within the country.”

He said the reform would reduce both the cost and suffering associated with seeking organ transplants overseas.

July Uprising Memorial Museum Ordinance approved

The council also approved the July Uprising Memorial Museum Ordinance, under which the official residence of the fascist Sheikh Hasina has been declared the July Memorial Museum.

Prof Nazrul said, “It will be a separate and fully independent museum, not a branch of the National Museum. Given its importance and appeal, the ordinance aims to develop it as a standalone institution.”

BP/TD