The commission, envisaged to reduce violation of human rights, was one of the election pledges of the ruling alliance.

Law Minister Moudud Ahmed told The Daily Star yesterday that the government would set up the proposed commission 'during its tenure'.

The alliance, coming to office, formed a cabinet committee led by the law minister on December 10 in 2001 to prepare the draft bill.

After a series of meetings the committee finalised the draft and sent it to the Cabinet Division on January 23 this year.

Since then, the bill has not been placed before the cabinet meeting.

Sources said the commission is now low on the government's priority list as it feels violations of human rights have reduced, a view contradicted by human rights groups and press reports.

The draft bill stipulated a five-member commission led by a retired judge of the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court, which must have one woman member.

The commission is supposed to investigate any human rights violation and recommend actions. It could probe any such incidents by the defence forces.

The human rights commission was also a demand of the international donors who thought good governance critically depends on the rule of law.

But government insiders said the pressure is no more seen as a major one because of the 'flagrant human rights' violation in the West.