Three bills tabled on property rights, enforced disappearance and human rights

The government today (27 August) tabled three bills in parliament to allow donors to retain lifetime use rights over gifted property, criminalise enforced disappearance and strengthen human rights.

Law Minister Md Asaduzzaman introduced the Transfer of Property (Amendment) Bill, 2026 and National Human Rights Commission Bill, 2026, while Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed tabled the Prevention and Remedy of Enforced Disappearance Bill, 2026.

All three were sent to the relevant parliamentary standing committees, with Deputy Speaker Kaiser Kamal asking them to report within two working days.

The opposition alliance walked out before the bills were tabled, protesting that it had not been allowed to discuss them. The bills were later introduced in its absence.

Donors to retain lifetime use of gifted property

The Transfer of Property (Amendment) Bill, 2026 proposes amending the 1882 law to recognise donors' lifetime rights to possess and use gifted property.

Parents, grandparents and other eligible donors could transfer property to specified blood relatives or spouses while retaining lifetime use and enjoyment.

Asaduzzaman said the existing law recognises various transfer methods but has no specific provision preserving donors' lifetime use rights. New Sections 122A and 122B would recognise such gifts as a distinct form of property transfer.

The government said the provision would not affect ordinary gifts, hiba under Muslim law or other legally recognised transfers, or conflict with them. It would apply to all religions.

New framework for human rights commission

The National Human Rights Commission Bill, 2026 proposes repealing the 2009 law and establishing a new framework for an effective, independent commission.

Asaduzzaman said human rights are a fundamental state commitment and Bangladesh is bound by international instruments, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

The commission would have a chairperson and four commissioners, including at least one woman. Qualified candidates from national minorities and disadvantaged communities would receive priority on a selection committee's recommendation. The committee would include a university teacher, a civil society representative and representatives of those communities.

The bill would clarify the commission's jurisdiction, simplify complaints and allow interim orders where someone faces an immediate threat or risk of further harm during an investigation.

It also proposes a National Preventive Mechanism (NPM) unit in line with the OPCAT to prevent torture, deaths in custody and enforced disappearances.

In the first session of the 13th parliament, lawmakers restored the 2009 law through the National Human Rights Commission (Repeal and Re-enactment) Bill and repealed three commission-related interim-government ordinances.

Opposition MPs criticised the move, alleging the law had been used to suppress dissent and warning its restoration could be a step backwards.

Asaduzzaman said the government wants a transparent, inclusive framework through consultations with political parties, marginalised communities and other stakeholders.

Life imprisonment proposed for enforced disappearance

The Prevention and Remedy of Enforced Disappearance Bill, 2026 proposes life imprisonment for enforced disappearance. If a victim dies or remains missing for over five years, the offender could face death or life imprisonment and a fine of up to Tk1 crore.

The bill defines enforced disappearance as a cognisable, non-bailable and non-compoundable offence and establishes provisions for prevention, prosecution, locating missing persons and protecting victims and families.

Salahuddin said the law aims to ensure human rights, dignity, personal liberty and the rule of law.

Courts could issue search warrants, while trials in absentia, digital evidence and protection for witnesses, complainants, informants and victims are proposed. Victims and families would have the right to investigation updates and to know what happened, including the missing person's whereabouts or fate.

The state would provide legal aid, medical care, rehabilitation and compensation through a dedicated fund. Compensation would first be recovered from convicted persons' assets; otherwise, the state would pay.

Spouses and dependent family members could use the disappeared person's property for living and essential expenses. A missing-person certificate could be issued after five years to settle inheritance matters.

The bill also proposes a central database and international cooperation, with investigations and trials completed within 120 days. However, it does not create an independent investigation agency. Police would retain responsibility for investigating disappearance cases.