Staff Reporter :
The government has announced its decision to withdraw all criminal cases filed against participants of the recent anti-discrimination student movement within the next three working days.
The decision aims to address grievances and ensure justice following widespread unrest caused by the movement.
Dr. Asif Nazrul, Adviser to the Ministry of Law, Justice, and Parliamentary Affairs, revealed the decision during a high-level meeting held at the Secretariat on Saturday.
The meeting, which was chaired by Dr. Nazrul and attended by senior officials from the Law and Justice Division, resulted in five significant resolutions.
According to a press release from the law ministry, the withdrawal of cases is part of a broader effort to resolve issues arising from the unrest that occurred between July 1 and August 5. The movement, which saw widespread participation from students and the general public, had sparked significant nationwide unrest.
The press release detailed that measures will also be implemented to ensure that those responsible for the killings during the anti-discrimination movement in July and August are brought to justice. Additionally, arrangements will be made to release children and adolescents detained under false charges at the juvenile development centre within the same timeframe.
The government has also decided to withdraw false cases filed under the Anti-Terrorism Act and the Cyber Security Act. Victims of these false cases will be supported through the hotline 16430 provided by the Law and Justice Division.
CALL TO PROTECT LOWER COURTS
In a separate development, Dr. Asif Nazrul urged students not to cause harm or disrupt proceedings at lower courts across the country. His appeal was made in a video message posted on his verified Facebook page at around 1:00 PM on Saturday.
Dr. Nazrul expressed concern over reports of sieges at lower courts in various districts. He emphasised that there was no justification for such actions, as the students’ demands were specifically related to the resignation of the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court and certain other judges, not the lower courts.
“I request the agitating students not to engage in any vandalism at the district courts,” Dr. Nazrul stated. “Even amid the current situation, the lower court judges are continuing their work and have assured that they will address past mistakes.”