Brac University in collaboration with the Embassy of Switzerland in Bangladesh and the UN Human Rights Office (OHCHR) Bangladesh, organized a high-level seminar on the “Operationalization of the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture (OPCAT) in Bangladesh.” The event took place on Tuesday at the Brac University auditorium and focused on practical strategies to strengthen Bangladesh’s commitment to preventing torture.
Bangladesh ratified the OPCAT in 2025, marking a significant step toward bolstering national human rights protections. The seminar brought together key stakeholders, including government officials, UN representatives, civil society leaders, NGOs, development partners, and youth participants, to discuss effective implementation of the international anti-torture framework.
Strengthening Human Rights Protection in Bangladesh
In his welcome remarks K. Shamsuddin Mahmood dean of the School of Law at Brac University highlighted the urgent need to enhance accountability and expand human rights safeguards across the country.
Chief guest Asif Nazrul adviser to the Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs emphasized that Bangladesh’s ratification of OPCAT “is not the end but the beginning of justice.” He announced that the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) Ordinance 2025 has been gazetted and that the national preventive mechanism (NPM) to combat torture will soon be established.
International Support for OPCAT Implementation
Reto Renggli ambassador of Switzerland to Bangladesh, congratulated the government for ratifying OPCAT. He noted that Switzerland’s membership in the UN Human Rights Council, overlapping with the conclusion of Bangladesh’s term, is an opportunity for both nations to reaffirm their commitment to global human rights standards.
Arshad Mahmud Chowdhury pro vice chancellor of Brac University, underscored that the dignity of every individual must be protected “in practice and not just in principle.”
Keynote Highlights and Expert Insights
Ben Buckland senior adviser at the Association for the Prevention of Torture (APT), delivered the keynote address. He shared international experiences demonstrating how national preventive mechanisms can effectively reduce torture and ill-treatment.
A dynamic panel discussion followed, focusing on how these global lessons apply to Bangladesh’s human rights landscape.
- Huma Khan head of Mission (a.i.), OHCHR Bangladesh, stressed that an independent and accountable NPM is essential to preventing torture.
- Dr. Saira Rahman Khan professor of Law at Brac University and Secretary of Odhikar, warned that preventive mechanisms are ineffective without true independence and political will.
- Md Abdul Wadud Akanda director at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, reaffirmed Bangladesh’s commitment to meeting its international human rights obligations.
- Sazzad Hussain member of the Commission of Inquiry on Enforced Disappearance, emphasized full and proper implementation of the OPCAT.
A recorded message from Victor Zaharia, member of the UN Subcommittee on the Prevention of Torture, was also presented.
The panel discussion, moderated by Md Mostafa Hosain, Assistant Professor of Law at BRAC University, concluded with a lively audience Q&A session.
Alberto Giovanetti counsellor at the Embassy of Switzerland served as the event’s master of ceremonies.
