Opening the session, Sonali Dayaratne, Deputy Resident Representative of UNDP Bangladesh emphasized that credible institutions, sustained investment in accountability, and independent oversight are essential for durable democratic transitions and human rights protection. She said, "Checks and balances should not be understood as confrontation or dysfunction; they are the constitutional architecture through which power is restrained, abuse is prevented, and citizens' rights are protected."

The discussion focused on strengthening institutions such as the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), the judiciary, parliamentary standing committees, and other oversight bodies. Participants agreed that policies and laws alone are not sufficient unless institutions possess operational independence, capable leadership, adequate resources, and public legitimacy.

Diepak Elmer, Chargé d'Affaires a.i. of the Embassy of Switzerland in Bangladesh, said, "An institution is not independent simply because the law declares it to be so. It is independent when it has the mandate, resources, and leadership necessary to act independently, particularly at moments when doing so is politically more difficult."

Barrister Sara Hossain, Senior Advocate of the Supreme Court of Bangladesh, stated, “the critical question is whether the proposed reforms can effectively address human rights claims that cannot or do not reach the courts, particularly for the poor, marginalized, and politically unpopular."

Sanjida Islam Tuli, Member of Parliament and Coordinator of Maayer Daak, emphasized that the experiences of victims and survivors are essential for building credible institutions, while Akhter Hossen, Member of Parliament and Member Secretary of the National Citizen Party called for stronger parliamentary standing committees to ensure effective oversight and executive accountability.

Stressing ongoing discussions on reforming the NHRC, Dr. Nabila Idris, activist, academic, and former Commissioner of the National Human Rights Commission, highlighted that any reform should strengthen, rather than weaken, the Commission's independence.

The discussion concluded with a shared call for people-centred institutional reforms that strengthen accountability, protect human rights, and reinforce public confidence in justice and democratic governance.