Govt plans CrPC reform to protect rights: Asif Nazrul
NN Online:
Law Adviser Dr Asif Nazrul on Tuesday said the government has prepared a draft amendment to the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) 1898, aimed at ensuring stronger safeguards and a rights-based approach during arrests and interrogations.
“We’ve drafted an amendment to the CrPC to embed strict safeguards and promote a rights-based approach to arrests and interrogations. It will be approved very soon,” he said while addressing the closing session of a two-day workshop in Dhaka.
The workshop, titled ‘Commonwealth Charter Youth Workshop Bangladesh–2025’, was jointly organized by the Commonwealth Secretariat, the Ministry of Youth and Sports, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Dr Nazrul said the initiative is part of a broader reform agenda by the Law Ministry, aligned with the Commonwealth Charter’s core principles, including justice, human rights, and good governance.
He cited several key reforms already undertaken, including amendments to the Code of Civil Procedure to make justice delivery faster, more affordable, and accessible to all.
Highlighting the government’s commitment to digital transformation, he said steps are being taken to fully digitalise the judiciary within the next six months to enhance transparency and efficiency.
The Law Adviser also pointed to legal reforms addressing gender-based violence, including time-bound trial mechanisms and the introduction of digital systems for marriage and divorce registration—measures designed to uphold gender equality.
Referring to the controversial Cyber Security Act, Nazrul acknowledged public criticism of the law and said the interim government has revised the cyber protection ordinance to safeguard freedom of expression.
“This amendment process was highly consultative—we went through 23 drafts before finalising it,” he said, underscoring the government’s effort to balance regulation with civil liberties.
Dr Nazrul concluded by reaffirming the government’s commitment to legal reforms that protect individual rights and reflect democratic values.