HC questions legality of NHRC chairman’s appointment

The High Court today questioned legality of Kazi Reazul Hoque's appointment as chairman of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC).

The court also issued a rule asking Reazul to explain in four weeks under what authority he has been holding the office of NHRC chairman.

The HC bench of Justice Kazi Rezaul Haque and Justice Mohammad Ullah came up with the rule following a writ petition filed by Supreme Court lawyer Eunus Ali Akond.

He submitted the petition on November 9 saying Reazul's appointment is violation of relevant provision of the NHRC Act, 2007.

According to section 6 (3), a person cannot be appointed as member of the commission for more than two terms. Reazul was earlier appointed as a NHRC member for two terms, he said in the petition.

A chairman of the commission is also its member, he added.