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The Bangladesh Legal Aid and Services Trust (BLAST) has put forward several amendments to the draft National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) Act, 2026. BLAST argues these changes are necessary to bolster the commission's independence, ensure broader representation, and enhance its investigative powers.

Submitted to the law ministry on May 24, BLAST's proposals advocate for the mandatory appointment of at least two female commissioners and one representative from a minority or marginalized community. They also suggest including a retired Supreme Court judge on the selection committee responsible for appointing commissioners. Furthermore, BLAST recommends granting the NHRC the authority to frame its own rules and removing the requirement for executive approval to establish branch offices.

These recommendations aim to create a more robust and effective human rights commission capable of addressing a wider range of issues and operating with greater autonomy. BLAST's input seeks to ensure the final act reflects a commitment to comprehensive human rights protection in Bangladesh.

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the proposed law should further strengthen the commission’s independence, inclusiveness, and investigative powers.