Bangladesh's parliament has cancelled or rolled back several reforms introduced after the 2024 student-led uprising, which were aimed at increasing accountability of the government and security forces. The move has prompted concerns that the nation might be backtracking on democratic gains made since former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's ouster.
Dominated by the ruling Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) that swept to power in February elections, parliament reviewed a package of 133 ordinances issued by the interim government of Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus. At least 23 of these – including key measures on human rights, judicial oversight, anticorruption and policing – have been either repealed or allowed to lapse after failing to secure parliamentary approval within the constitutional timeframe.
One of the most significant reversals concerns the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC). A 2025 ordinance granted the NHRC expanded powers to independently investigate allegations against state agencies, including police and security forces. The ordinance has now been repealed, reinstating a 2009 law that only allows the commission to request investigation reports from the government, creating a potential conflict of interest.
The ordinance on enforced disappearances, which defined it as a specific criminal offence and established procedures for investigation and prosecution, has also lapsed. Human rights groups have documented over 1,500 confirmed cases of enforced disappearances under Hasina's rule. Experts warn that without a clear legal definition, prosecution becomes difficult, leaving victims' families without a path to justice.
Judicial reform ordinances, including proposals for an independent Supreme Court secretariat and a council-based judge appointment system, have been removed. This keeps the existing system largely intact, where the government plays a significant role in judicial appointments, raising concerns about executive influence over the judiciary.
The government defends the move as a necessary legislative review. Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed stated that reviewing 133 ordinances within 10-12 days was a massive task and that some laws would be reintroduced after proper consultation, starting May 15. He insisted the government remains committed to the July National Charter reform framework.
Opposition parties and civil society groups describe the move as a rollback of core safeguards. Akhter Hossen, a July uprising leader and MP, accused the government of ignoring the people's will expressed in a referendum. The Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami party has warned of street protests and called for the restoration of the reform agenda.
Analysts say the developments reflect a deeper struggle over how power and accountability are being reshaped in post-uprising Bangladesh. Jon Danilowicz, a retired US diplomat, warned that the rollback risks weakening institutional safeguards established after the uprising, potentially leaving the door open for abuse.
Source: www.aljazeera.com