Dr Mizanur Rahman Khan,
Chairperson,
National Human Rights Commission,
Dhaka, Bangladesh
Dear Dr Khan,
Congratulations from the members of South Asians for Human Rights
On behalf of South Asians for Human Rights, let me congratulate you on assumption of the responsibility of Chairperson of the National Human Rights Commission of Bangladesh. The Commission has come into effect after a long journey of several years. We are glad to note that its structure has been enlarged to seven members, and that four of them are women. We are also encouraged that the Commission’s terms have been slightly enlarged to allow you to enquire into violations of human rights by law enforcement and security forces.
We note that you have taken up the issue of extra judicial killings and custodial deaths which have been matters of considerable concern to all human rights defenders. While laws will need to be enforced rigorously it is equally important to cultivate a culture of human rights amongst state institutions through education, example setting and public accountability. South Asians for Human Rights hopes that the Commission will engage in consultation with human rights organisations to formulate effective rules, and to plan strategies for the promotion of human rights and prevention of their violations.
Yours sincerely
Hameeda Hossain
Co-Chairperson
South Asians for Human Rights
07.07.2010