Dhaka:The newly formed Parliamentary Caucus on Human Rights and Peace of the 13th Parliament announced its commitment to work towards a transparent and accountable government and an impartial judiciary for future generations during its first meeting on Wednesday.
According to United News of Bangladesh, the caucus expressed optimism about achieving its goals in the meeting held at the Cabinet Room of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban, chaired by its President, Fahima Nasrin. The members highlighted the importance of maintaining communication with national and international organizations, agencies, and universities focusing on human rights. Additionally, they stressed the need for caucus members to participate in relevant meetings, seminars, and research activities to expand their scope of work.
Deputy Speaker Barrister Kayser Kamal, who serves as the caucus's patron, attended the meeting alongside members Humam Quader Chowdhury, Sayeed Al Noman, Mir Ahmad Bin Quasem, Muhammad Nazibur Rahman, Md Abul Hasnat, Jahrat Adib Chowdhury, Sanjida Islam, and Anna Minj. The meeting commenced with a one-minute silence in memory of victims of enforced disappearances, murders, and extrajudicial killings.
During discussions about the caucus's work plan, the Deputy Speaker emphasized the importance of identifying those responsible for past human rights violations, presenting an accurate account of incidents, and preventing future violations. He also highlighted the need to ensure that human rights violators do not misrepresent themselves as victims.
Noting the uniqueness of the caucus as the first of its kind in Bangladesh, Kayser Kamal called for teamwork to make it an effective body. He urged cooperation among relevant ministries, including the Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, to establish the caucus as a strong institutional framework.