Cabinet clears draft of Ansar Battalion Act with death penalty for rebellion
Staff Reporter :
A draft law titled ‘Bangladesh Ansar Battalion Act for 2023’ received cabinet’s approval with the provision of the death penalty for Ansar members who would engage in rebellion or incite rebellion.
The draft of the new law was approved during a Cabinet meeting on Monday, with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in the chair.
After the meeting, Cabinet Secretary Md Mahbub Hossain briefed the media and said that the previous law lacked provisions for certain cases.
The draft law now specifies punishment for creating disorder, he added.
Cabinet Secretary Hossain further explained that the penalty for rebellion or incitement to rebellion will be death.
Apart from death penalty, the provision of punishment for various terms, including life-term, has also been made in the law.
Earlier on March 28 last year, Cabinet had approved the draft of “Ansar Battalion Act, 2022” keeping death penalty as the maximum punishment for serious offenses like attempt to revolt, participation or provocation in such conspiracy.
“If anyone tries to revolt, or instigates or participates in conspiracy, the member will face death penalty or life sentence or minimum five-year jail,” the then Cabinet Secretary Khandkar Anwarul Islam had said after the meeting at the Secretariat.
As per the draft law, there will be two separate courts – Summary Ansar Battalion Court and Special Ansar Battalion Court – to try two types of offences committed by any member.
The summary court will try general crimes and misconduct, while the special court will try serious crimes, he said, adding that there will also be an Ansar Battalion Appeal Tribunal under the proposed law.
Additionally, legislation pertaining to the establishment of several universities was approved during the meeting.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Monday has ordered the authority concern to identify those who go to work abroad with fake professional certificates.
She also directed for taking legal action those who give such certificates.
“We are receiving complaints that many people are going abroad carrying fake certificates.
Many of them leaving the country taking fake certificates like doctor and engineer,” Cabinet Secretary Md Mahbub Hossain said.
The Prime Minister has directed the Home Minister for taking stern action after identifying those who are behind in giving such fake certificates, he said.
