The New Nation - Internet Edition

BSS, Dhaka

A meeting of the Council of Advisers on Sunday approved National Human Rights Commission Ordinance-2007 with a view to protecting, institutionalising and improving human rights in the country.

Chief Adviser Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed chaired the meeting held at his office here. Members of the Council of Advisers attended it.

After the meeting, Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Syed Fahim Munaim told journalists that under the ordinance a three-member National Human Rights Commission will be constituted headed by a chairman.

The Commission will investigate any complaint raised before it regarding violation of human rights by any quarter and make necessary recommendations to solve the issue.

According to the Ordinance, the President will appoint a chairman and members of the Commission to be selected after scrutiny of a six-member committee. One of the members will be a sitting or a retired Judge of the Supreme Court.

The members of the commission will be appointed for three-years and not for more than two tenures.

The meeting also okayed a proposal for amending section 44 of the Income Tax Ordinance-1984 raising the limit of income tax rebate for investment from Taka 2.5 lakh to five lakh from the next tax year.

Premium of insurance, subscription for general provident fund and donation for charitable hospital will be included in this tax rebate to encourage investment in these fields.

Cabinet Secretary, press secretary and the secretaries concerned were present.