Extrajudicial killings fall sharply
Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Md Asaduzzaman on Saturday said extrajudicial killings have almost come down to zero under the present government, while reaffirming a policy of zero tolerance towards enforced disappearances and underscoring the need for an independent judiciary.
Addressing a consultation meeting on “Human Rights Violations and Victims’ Access to Justice” at the CIRDAP auditorium in the capital, the minister said the government has made significant progress in addressing human rights concerns over the past several months.
“We can say that over the past few months under the present government, extrajudicial killings have almost come down to zero. As for enforced disappearances, whenever a reported case has come to our notice, we have taken it very seriously. I have internally instructed officials to maintain zero tolerance towards such incidents,” he said.
The law minister also highlighted the importance of strengthening the judiciary through a transparent appointment process for judges.
He said an independent and credible judicial system depends on the appointment of competent judges capable of safeguarding judicial independence.
“The judiciary becomes weakened when judges are unable to stand firm and uphold their independence. Only when judges of integrity and competence are appointed can we have the independent and transparent judiciary that people expect,” he added.
Turning to legal reforms, Asaduzzaman said the government has been working continuously to withdraw politically motivated cases and that the process is now nearing completion.
He said the administration is committed to moving away from the culture of political retaliation.
“Under the leadership of our Prime Minister, we believe we will gradually move forward with all necessary reforms. But we need a little more time,” the minister said.
Responding to questions from journalists after the programme, Asaduzzaman addressed the constitutional process for electing a new president.
Referring to Article 123(2) of the Constitution, he said a new president must be elected within 90 days.
“Yesterday was July 24. We have time until October 24. Therefore, no situation has arisen that warrants convening a special session of Parliament,” he said.
The minister added that the Constitution requires the next parliamentary session to be held within 60 days from July 15, expressing hope that the issue would be resolved during that session.
The consultation meeting was chaired by Dr Tasneem Siddiqui, president of the human rights organisation Odhikar, while ASM Nasir Uddin Elan, director of Odhikar, delivered the welcome address.
Among the special guests were former chairman of the National Human Rights Commission Justice Moinul Islam Chowdhury, Chief Prosecutor of the International Crimes Tribunal Md Aminul Islam, and Amar Desh Editor Dr Mahmudur Rahman.
The consultation, titled “Human Rights Violations and Victims’ Access to Justice”, focused on issues relating to human rights, access to justice and judicial reforms.
During the event, the law minister also commented on the government’s legal reform agenda and the constitutional timeline for electing the country’s next president.
