Three critical bills were placed in the Jatiya Sangsad today, focusing on enhancing human rights protections, criminalizing enforced disappearance, and introducing lifetime usufruct rights in property transfers. Law Minister Md Asaduzzaman and Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed tabled these bills, which were subsequently sent to respective parliamentary standing committees for scrutiny.
The National Human Rights Commission Bill, 2026, seeks to repeal the National Human Rights Commission Act, 2009, and establish a new legal framework aimed at creating an effective and independent commission. The proposed commission would include a chairperson and four commissioners, with at least one woman member. The bill also proposes a National Preventive Mechanism (NPM) unit, aligning with the Optional Protocol to the UN Convention against Torture.
The Prevention and Remedy of Enforced Disappearance Bill, 2026, aims to criminalize enforced disappearance, proposing life imprisonment for the offense. If a victim dies or remains untraced for more than five years, the punishment could be death or life imprisonment, along with a fine of up to Taka 1 crore. The bill defines enforced disappearance as a cognisable, non-bailable, and non-compoundable criminal offence, establishing a legal framework for prevention, prosecution, and protection of victims and their families.
The Transfer of Property (Amendment) Bill, 2026, proposes changes to the Transfer of Property Act, 1882, to introduce legal recognition of lifetime usufruct rights. This provision would allow donors to transfer property to specified relatives or spouses while retaining the right to use and enjoy the property during their lifetime. The amendment aims to add new Sections 122A and 122B to create lifetime usufruct-preserving gifts as a distinct form of property transfer.
Deputy Speaker Barrister Kayser Kamal directed the parliamentary standing committees to submit their reports within two working days. The tabling of these bills comes after the expiry of several ordinances promulgated by the interim government, which lost their legal validity after failing to secure parliamentary approval within the constitutionally prescribed period.
The introduction of these bills reflects Bangladesh's commitment to international human rights instruments, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The proposed legislation aims to enhance protections for human rights, ensure justice for victims of enforced disappearance, and provide clarity and security in property transfers. These measures are expected to strengthen the legal framework and improve the overall human rights landscape in the country.
