Law minister rejects dialogue with BNP

Staff Reporter  :
Law Minister Anisul Huq firmly dismissed the possibility of engaging in dialogues with the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) on the formation of a polls-time government.

He also stated that there was no necessity for discussions based on “unreal demands.”

During the inauguration of a four-month-long training programme for assistant judges at the
Judicial Administration Training Institute (JATI) in Dhaka, the law minister said Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has categorically stated that no dialogue will take place as the “election itself is the only solution.”

Regarding the recent amendment to the Representation of People’s Order (RPO), the law minister clarified that it does not curtail the Election Commission’s power. Instead, the amendment serves to protect the people’s right to vote.

He explained if the electoral process in an entire constituency is halted due to violence or untoward incidents in one or a few polling centers, it would not be democratic and would infringe upon people’s voting rights. Thus, the RPO amendment was enacted to address such situations.

Addressing another question, Anisul Huq denied allegations that the government has sent a letter urging expedited disposal of pending cases against BNP leaders.

He reiterated the independence of the judiciary and emphasised that no such letter has been written. The judiciary is independent. We have not written such a letter. If they can show such a letter, arguments will take place on it,” he said.