NN Online:
BNP Standing Committee member Nazrul Islam Khan on Saturday stressed that all laws should include provisions to hold enforcers accountable if they misuse their authority or violate legal procedures.
“Every law should contain clauses to punish those responsible for enforcing it when they intentionally abuse their power or oppress the public,” he said while addressing a seminar on the ‘Cyber Security Ordinance, 2025’ hosted by Nagorik Oikya at the Dhaka Reporters’ Unity.
Nazrul emphasized that laws must not only be well-written but also ensure protection for citizens against arbitrary or unjust application by authorities. “Laws lose their value if those applying them are allowed to act with impunity,” he said.
Criticising the newly formulated Cyber Security Ordinance, he noted that despite some changes, the law still fails to meet public expectations and leaves room for misuse.
Turning to labour rights, Nazrul said the 2006 Labour Code looks good on paper but its implementation is poor. “Although the law mandates appointment letters for all workers, 20–25% still do not receive them,” he noted, adding that many workers lack job security, leave benefits, and pension rights.
He also pointed out that while a minimum wage exists for agricultural workers, enforcement is weak and violators often go unpunished.
Nazrul further argued that vague and poorly drafted laws are frequently misused by authorities to harass ordinary citizens. “There are many laws for women, children, youth, and workers, but the intended beneficiaries often aren’t even aware of their rights,” he added.
He called on political parties, civil society groups, and professionals to raise legal awareness, expose flaws in current laws, and work together to fix them. “People should be able to claim the rights they are entitled to—and fight for those they’re still denied,” he said.
