MM Rahmatullah: Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) on Monday raised concerns over ongoing legal and institutional reforms stemming from interim government ordinances, emphasizing the need to safeguard judicial independence through transparent appointment processes.TIB Executive Director Dr. Iftekharuzzaman presented the organization’s position, titled “TIB's Position on the Amendment of Certain Ordinances Issued by the Interim Government by the 13th National Parliament,” at a press conference at its Dhanmondi office. TIB Advisor Dr. Sumaiya Khair, Research and Policy Director Muhammad Badiuzzaman, and Outreach and Communication Director Mohammad Touhidul Islam were also present.Following a review of 133 ordinances issued during the interim period, the parliamentary special committee of the 13th National Parliament recommended on April 2 that 98 ordinances be enacted without changes. TIB welcomed this step as promoting legislative scrutiny and institutional continuity. Ordinances recommended for enactment include the Cyber Security Ordinance 2025, the Foreign Donations (Voluntary Activities) (Amendment) Act 2025, and the July Uprising (Protection and Accountability) Ordinance, which grants indemnity to participants of the July uprising.However, TIB highlighted weaknesses in some ordinances, suggesting that certain provisions may have been deliberately weakened. Of particular concern is the Public Audit Ordinance 2025, which TIB said undermines the independence of the Comptroller and Auditor General by limiting the scope of auditing government revenues, potentially weakening accountability and increasing risks of irregularities and tax evasion.TIB also criticized four amendment ordinances affecting local government bodies, warning that continued reliance on administrative appointments in place of elected representatives could normalize the removal of elected officials, undermining democratic norms.The parliamentary committee recommended repealing four ordinances related to judicial independence, including Supreme Court appointments and the establishment of a separate Supreme Court secretariat. TIB cautioned that repealing these ordinances risks reversing progress toward an independent judiciary and stressed that transparent, merit-based judicial appointments are essential to prevent executive or political influence.Delays in enacting reforms for the National Human Rights Commission, Anti-Corruption Commission, and enforced disappearance prevention also drew TIB’s attention. The organization warned that the lack of clear timelines and proposed amendments could weaken institutional independence and dilute reform measures. TIB highlighted concerns that a proposed police commission framework may increase government control rather than ensure institutional autonomy.TIB urged immediate legislation to strengthen the National Human Rights Commission in line with international standards, noting that proposed oversight changes could undermine its independence and investigative powers. Similarly, TIB called for revising the Anti-Corruption Commission law to include independent selection processes, stronger accountability, and safeguards against loopholes.Additional recommendations included strengthening the Right to Information law, carefully revising the Personal Data Protection Ordinance 2025, and addressing structural flaws in the National Data Management Ordinance 2025 to prevent conflicts of interest and executive dominance. TIB also called for reforms in public financial management, including enhanced audit powers, international cooperation, and disclosure of audit reports.Finally, TIB recommended repealing the Police Commission Ordinance 2025 and the National Data Management Ordinance 2025, citing risks to independence and accountability. The organization emphasized that legislative reforms must reinforce democratic institutions, uphold the rule of law, and ensure transparent judicial appointments to protect judicial independence.