DHAKA, BANGLADESH (HRNW) — Human Rights Watch has raised concerns over three laws approved by Bangladesh’s parliament in September, saying they could weaken existing human-rights safeguards and expand powers that may affect accountability and civic freedoms.

The organization said the new legislation concerns the Bangladesh Human Rights Commission, the Rapid Action Battalion and a proposed national police agency.

Human Rights Watch said provisions in the new Human Rights Commission law could restrict the body’s independence and limit its ability to investigate certain complaints.

The organization also raised concerns about changes affecting the Rapid Action Battalion Act, saying the legislation could weaken accountability mechanisms for serious abuses.

Human Rights Watch said the reforms are particularly significant because Bangladesh has faced longstanding concerns about unlawful killings, enforced disappearances, torture and other alleged abuses by security forces.

The organization called on the Bangladeshi government to amend provisions that it considers inconsistent with international human-rights standards.

Human Rights Watch also urged authorities to ensure that the national human-rights institution can operate independently and investigate complaints without political interference.

The organization said reforms should strengthen protections rather than reduce oversight of security institutions.

The legislation comes as Bangladesh continues a broader process of institutional and legal reform following major political changes.

Human Rights Watch said international human-rights standards should remain central to the country’s reform process.

The organization is calling for meaningful consultation with civil society and human-rights groups before further measures affecting fundamental rights are adopted.

The debate over the new laws highlights the continuing importance of independent oversight, accountability and effective remedies for victims of alleged abuses in Bangladesh.

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Disclaimer

This article is based on Human Rights Watch’s September 23, 2026 assessment of recently adopted legislation in Bangladesh. HRNW presents the organization’s legal and human-rights concerns as attributed views and does not independently determine the final legal effect of the legislation.