United News of Bangladesh

Law Adviser Dr Asif Nazrul on Wednesday said that all political parties participated sincerely in the discussions on the July Charter and are expected to sign the document in the same spirit. “'I think all political parties have participated in this discussion with dedication. I do not know what they will do. But I believe, as a continuation of this dedication, they will sign the July Charter. I believe everyone will sign it,” he said while talking to reporters at the Secretariat. Talking about the upcoming national parliamentary election, the Law Adviser said, “Whenever there is an interim government, such concerns over elections naturally arise. On behalf of the government, I firmly said we are committed to holding the election in the first half of February. There is no room for second thoughts—not even in passing conversation.” NCC to place its final recommendations on July Charter by October 15 Mentioning about the separate secretariat for the Supreme Court, the adviser said the ministry will submit a proposal to the Advisory Council within the next few weeks to establish a separate secretariat for the Supreme Court. “This has been one of the key recommendations of the Judicial Reform Commission. We’ve done substantial work on this issue. There are some areas of differing opinion that still need to be discussed,” he said. The proposal will be placed before the Council of Advisers in the coming weeks, on behalf of the ministry and if the council sees merit in it, it will be approved, he said, adding, “I do believe this government will be able to establish the Supreme Court Secretariat during its term.” Dr Nazrul also commented on the evolving political climate, saying that criticism and threats directed at advisers by political parties and groups reflect a shift from previous practices.

Law Adviser Dr Asif Nazrul has said all cases under the Digital Security Act (DSA)  have been withdrawn. While speaking at a dialogue, he said they have also instructed that no one should be arrested without substantial evidence. The Centre for Governance Studies (CGS) hosted the dialogue at the CIRDAP Auditorium (Centre on Integrated Rural Development for Asia and the Pacific) to discuss reforms related to the mass media. "While there may not have been much in the media, there has been a lot of misinformation spread on social media. None of us have filed cases over this misinformation, nor have we protested we’ve left it to the people of the country. If a certain group sees an opportunity for business in filing cases, then there’s nothing we can do about it," said the Law Adviser. There were 266 cases filed against journalists, but only 15 were arrested, he said. "Those who were named were charged for insider crimes or related amendments. We have no role in the cases they were filed by ordinary citizens," Asif Nazrul said. Generate solar power by installing rooftop panels: Prof Yunus Dr. Badiul Alam Majumdar, Chief, Electoral Reform Commission; Shafiqul Alam, Press Secretary to the Chief Adviser; Dr Shahidul Alam, founder, Drik Picture Library and photojournalist; Mojibur Rahman Monju, Chairman of AB Party; Ruhin Hossain Prince, General Secretary, Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB); journalist Parveen F Chowdhury; Sohrab Hassan, Joint Editor, Prothm Alo; M A Aziz, Bangladesh Correspondent, Irrawaddy; Zahed Ur Rahman, political analyst; Dr. Shakhawat Hossain Sayantha, General Secretary, G-9, Bobby Hajjaj, Chairman, Nationalist Democratic Movement; Parvez Karim Abbasi, Assistant Professor, East West University, Senior Research Fellow, Centre for Governance Studies; journalists Md Muktadir Rashid; Zyma Islam and Qadaruddin Shishir spoke at the event. Moderating the session, Zillur Rahman said the media and related institutions have not really discussed the issue of media reform or the commission’s report. "There hasn’t been much discussion on television, nor have there been writings in newspapers. There’s been no dialogue on what kind of reforms are needed, how constructive the commission’s report is, or what its weaknesses are," he said. Dr. Badiul Alam Majumdar said most television channels, in order to secure licenses, included favourable statements in their applications to please the government. Committee formed to investigate last 3 polls during AL regime He said their letters of commitment contained promises that aligned with the political ideology and strategies of the Awami League. "In the application forms themselves, they expressed willingness to assist in implementing the political party’s vision. Based on these applications, licenses have been granted over the past fifteen years," he said.  Shafiqul Alam said they are going through an extraordinary time and claimed that the interim government has not created any administrative barriers to journalism. Alam pointed out three main ways in which the last regime controlled journalism, through administration, repressive laws and social favours. He said the current government is not doing any of that practices. Over the past fifteen and a half years under Hasina, a trust deficit has developed we are trying to overcome that. "We are working to ensure that the actions of that era are not repeated during our time, and we’ve been largely successful in that regard. We’re not using any administrative pressure to silence journalists or push them away from their profession," Alam said. EC seeks power to fix cut-off date for new voters, sends draft law to ministry "If a news report is false, we simply say it’s false and request its removal. Some comply, some don’t. We’re just letting people know it’s untrue everyone can take their own legal steps. There are demands for a Journalist Protection Ordinance, but what about those who are harmed by unethical journalism? Shouldn’t we also think about protecting them?" Dr Shahidul Alam said that practices of the journalism has lost credibility because they are not up to standards worldwide. He has expressed concerns that certain law enforcement agencies are exempt from giving information to the media which creates a barrier for journalists to create news. He has brought up a case against him on the ICT act in 2018. Among the various laws like the DSA, CSA, and CPO, we’ve observed that there’s one area where no change has been made—political sentiments have been given a distinct and special status. Mojibur Rahman Monju said, media gets stuck in the marketing department. That’s where the money is generated, where the revenue comes from. But in doing so, creativity gets stifled. Ruhin Hossain Prince the journalism of Bangladesh has become a self-censored more than ever, the media houses are in a state of panic. Pro Yunus urges early preparations for next year’s Hajj management Shakhawat Hossain Sayantha has said that the journalists are divided between themselves, they don’t have unity amongst themselves. Parvez Karim Abbasi has pointed out that there are many laws in place that are from an ancient time but are still in practice. "Unless there is a shift in the mindset of the media, politicians, and academics, we won’t be able to bring about change in any area. Zahed Ur Rahman said, What worries me is that our culture has deteriorated. Like many others, I don’t have high hopes that journalism or the media will suddenly be fixed." Parveen F Chowdhury has said just having money should not be a gateway to open a media house.  Someone with experience and expertise should be able to get a license to start a media,  she said, expressing  dissatisfaction with the media in reporting as journalistic standards are not there.

A strong commission on enforced disappearances will be formed under a newly proposed law on the issue, said Law Adviser Asif Nazrul on Monday. The draft legislation would be finalised within the next month, he said while talking to reporters at the Secretariat following a meeting with a delegation of United Nations Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances (WGEID). Adviser Asif Nazrul trashes report by Indian portal as false, defamatory When asked whether a future government might scrap the law, the adviser said, “Regardless of whether it's BNP, Jamaat, NCP, or any other party — they have all been victims of enforced disappearances. They have all raised their voices against it. In fact, BNP and Jamaat were the most affected.” “The UN Working Group wanted to visit Bangladesh several times in the past, as far back as 12 years ago. But under the previous fascist Awami League government — who we believe were responsible for these disappearances — the visits were denied. They did not even respond to the UN’s letters,” he said. “Our government has made a commitment to investigate and prosecute enforced disappearances,” he said, adding that during Monday’s meeting, the UN team appreciated some of the government’s ongoing initiatives. “They welcomed our move to establish an investigation commission and to draft legislation. They also recommended extending the commission's mandate and we will present that suggestion to the Chief Adviser,” said the Adviser. The law adviser also said the proposed law would aim to establish a strong, independent commission on enforced disappearances. The UN delegation also advised engaging with the families of the disappeared, issuing missing person certificates and forming a search committee -- all of which, he noted, are already being considered in the draft law. “They have also offered to provide intellectual support for the law-making process.” UN team praises interim govt for steps against enforced disappearances When asked about the recent visit to South Africa led by the Chief Justice and whether a Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) would be formed in Bangladesh, Asif Nazrul said, “The TRC model, which gained global attention after its implementation in South Africa, has also been adopted by countries like Sri Lanka and Nepal -- though it remained unsuccessful.” The TRC typically includes four components: Truth-Seeking – Understanding what actually happened. “That process is already underway here,” he noted, citing the UN’s fact-finding report and ongoing investigations and trials in Bangladeshi tribunals. He also referred to filmmaker Mostofa Sarwar Farooki’s initiative to set up a ‘July Museum’ at the former Ganabhaban premises as part of this truth-seeking effort. Memorialisation – Preserving the collective memory of these events. “The museum will serve that purpose,” he said. Amnesty – “This is more complex,” he acknowledged. “There may be scope for amnesty in cases involving minor offenses committed without malicious intent — a practice seen in many countries.” Reconciliation – Building national consensus by ensuring appropriate punishment for the main perpetrators. He also emphasised the importance of reparation, adding that compensation for victims must go beyond monetary terms. “For example, survivors of the July incidents who suffered permanent injuries could be provided with employment opportunities,” he said. Reflecting on the recent South Africa visit, the adviser said, “We held several meetings during the trip. In the next phase, we plan to organise a regional conference led by the Chief Justice. We aim to bring in representatives from Sri Lanka, Nepal and South Africa, along with Bangladeshi political parties, civil society members, human rights groups and students to discuss a way forward based on collective opinions.”  

Seeking decency in expressing any views and reactions, Law Adviser Dr Asif Nazrul on Tuesday said the recommendations put forward by the Women’s Affairs Reform Commission are merely proposals and cannot be seen as a government decision. “These are proposals from the Commission, not a government decision,” he said when a journalist asked whether the government will surrender to the pressure from Islamic parties to revoke the report. On May 3, Hefazat-e-Islam announced a 12-point declaration, demanding the dissolution of the Women's Affairs Reform Commission and cancellation of its report, which the platform says is "anti-Quran" The Law Adviser said there will always be differences of opinions in the society and different views came in line with other reform commissions’ reports. “In most cases it was expressed in a decent way. But in some cases, it was expressed in a very malicious and attacking way,” he said, adding that they do not expect this. The Law Adviser said no major reform will be implemented without any political consensus and hoped that everyone, while expressing opposing views and reactions, will exercise tolerance and demonstrate decency. Next ADP's size to be lower by Tk 35,000 crore from the current allocation Talking about women’s rights, Ambassador and Head of Delegation of the European Union Michael Miller on Monday said equality between men and women is the core value in Europe and it is a core universal value. He said the work of the Women’s Affairs Reform Commission should be examined extremely carefully and they support all efforts that ensure equality between men and women. “The report and the recommendations of the Women’s Affairs Reform Commission are extremely important. We consider equality between men and women as core value of the EU,” said Ambassador Miller. He said the recommendations of the Commission should be looked at “extremely carefully and closely” by political parties because they would like to see those recommendations translated into actions. “We will contribute towards greater equality.”

Law Adviser Dr Asif Nazrul on Wednesday said the interim government is committed to holding the national election “as early as possible” within the repeatedly mentioned time frame - December 2025 to June 2026. Briefing reporters in front of state guest house Jamuna after a meeting between the BNP delegation and Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus, the adviser said December 2025 to June 2026 does not mean that they will deliberately delay the election or are intentionally trying to delay it to enjoy power. The law adviser said it is not the case at all that they unnecessarily want to stay in power for a month or two months longer. BNP’s meeting with Dr Yunus underway; election by Dec on top of agenda Referring to the Chief Adviser's commitment to the nation, the adviser said there is no way to go beyond June 2026. "We said it categorically, no matter who says what. The chief adviser repeatedly said this to the nation. That’s the position," he said, urging all not to get confused. The adviser said they explained things to the BNP delegation which is always a pro-reform political party. "It seems that BNP is very sincere regarding reforms," Asif Nazrul said. Asif Nazrul said BNP will sit with the National Consensus Commission soon and the July declaration will be issued very soon. “If the July declaration is issued, it might play a role in expediting the election,” he said, adding that they feel that BNP is very sincere about reforms. He said BNP has spoken openly and mentioned that some decisions of the interim government have gone against them. “We have given them examples that many decisions have gone in their favor,” the adviser said. “They (BNP leaders) said the BNP has been oppressed for the last 15 years. We have shown respect. They said that BNP is a reformist party, we have agreed to this,” said the Adviser. Talking to reporters, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said they are not satisfied at all and conveyed to the interim government that if the election is not held by December the country’s political and social situation will deteriorate further and it will be very difficult to bring under control. Asked about BNP’s reaction, Adviser Asif Nazrul said the BNP Secretary General obviously has the right to say this as different individuals perceive things differently from the discussion. “It seemed to us that they were happy and they got answers to the questions they had.” Asked about BNP’s fears due to possible election delay, the Adviser said there is no reason to be feared as the interim government remains cautious. He said the government took BNP’s opinions into their consideration very respectfully. Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam said the meeting lasted for two hours and four advisers – Dr Salehuddin Ahmed, Dr Wahiduddin Mahmud, Adilur Rahman Khan and Dr Asif Nazrul – accompanied the Chief Adviser Dr Yunus at the meeting with the BNP delegation. Chief Adviser’s Deputy Press Secretaries Apurba Jahangir and Abul Kalam Azad Majumder were also present during the media briefing. Elections, democracy matter, says US  

Police have prepared the charge-sheet in the rape and murder case of Magura’s Asiya, said Law Adviser Asif Nazrul on Sunday. “The charge-sheet is currently under review by the office of the Inspector General of Police (IGP) and it is expected to be submitted to the court by today (Sunday),” told a press briefing on current issues at the Secretariat. “We have brought necessary reform under which trial proceedings must be completed within 90 days after a charge sheet is submitted. As we have already received the forensic and DNA reports, and since the evidence matches in the DNA, I believe the trial will be completed even sooner—at a much faster pace. That is my expectation and hope,” said the adviser. Law Ministry recommends withdrawal of 7,184 politically-motivated cases:  Asif Nazrul Eight-year-old girl Asiya died at Combined Military Hospital (CMH) on March 13 after being raped a week ago. The rape and death of the girl sparked widespread protests across the country. University students, including that of Dhaka University, staged demonstrations demanding the death penalty of the accused. Prime accused in Magura child rape case gives confessional statement Police arrested victim's brother-in-law Sojib Sheikh, 20, his brother Ratul Sheikh, 25, and their parents, i.e. her sister's parents-in-law, Hitu Sheikh, 50,and Jabeda Begum, 40, -- in connection with the incident.    

The government is going to amend the Women and Children Repression Prevention Act with a provision that investigations into rape cases must be completed within 15 days and trials to be concluded within 90 days, said Law Adviser Asif Nazrul on Sunday. "We are also cutting the investigation time in rape cases by half from the previous time. Earlier it was 30 days, now we are making it 15 days. We are also halving the trial time. The trial of rape cases must be completed within 90 days,” he said while talking to reporters at the Secretariat. No one can be granted bail on the pretext of not completing the trial within 90 days, he said. Under the current law, bail could be granted if the trial was not held within 180 days but according to the amended law, no bail can be granted in rape cases, he added. HC orders completion of Magura child rape trial in six months However, the interim government is also taking many initiatives, said the adviser. Referring to the rape incident in Magura, Asif said “We strongly condemn this rape incident and are determined to ensure speedy justice in this case.” To ensure the speedy trial, the government has made an amendment in the Women and Children Repression Prevention Act, he said. The eight-year-old girl, a class III student of Jaria Government Primary School, in Sreepur upazila, was raped when she visited her sister’s in-laws’ house at Nijnanduali village in Magura’s Sadar upazila. Mentioning about the recent mob justice, Asif said the government has taken steps to address the incidents of mob justice and moral policing that have taken place in the last few days. The culprits have been arrested and the process of further arrests is underway, he said. Magura rape: Students blocked Dhaka-Khulna highway demanding justice All incidents are under the government's watch, he added. “We want to assure the countrymen that no criminal will go beyond justice,” said the adviser. In order to curb violence against women, the government has been regularly reviewing all recent rape cases for speedy disposal, he said. Besides, a hotline will be introduced to prevent sexual harassment.

Law Adviser Dr. Asif Nazrul has said that the clash between Dhaka University students and students of seven affiliated colleges was unfortunate. He said this after a meeting at the Home Ministry at the Secretariat on Monday. Over 2,500 politically motivated cases likely to be withdrawn: Law Adviser "The incidents of yesterday's clashes are unfortunate. We will try to take more initiatives to avoid them," said the Law Adviser. In response to another question, he said, "We will try to resolve this issue soon." Affiliations of 7 colleges under DU to be revoked: VC  

Law Adviser Dr Asif Nazrul has said that if India refuses to return Sheikh Hasina, it would constitute a violation of the extradition treaty between Bangladesh and India. "We have written a letter for extradition. If India does not extradite Sheikh Hasina, it will be a clear violation of the extradition treaty between Bangladesh and India," he said at a views-exchange meeting with reporters at the Secretariat on Tuesday. In that case, he said, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will take necessary steps to address the matter within the international community.  The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is also making efforts and a red alert has already been issued, he added. Over 2,500 politically motivated cases likely to be withdrawn: Law Adviser "We are doing everything we can. The government will continue all efforts to bring Sheikh Hasina back. If necessary, international support will be sought,” said the law adviser. Referring to the trial of July mass killings, the adviser said a second tribunal will be formed, if needed, to expedite the trial of those involved in the massacre. Election as soon as possible after essential reforms: Law Adviser “There is no conflict between the trial of the July mass killing criminals and the upcoming elections. The trial will proceed at its own pace. We will finish the trial work as quickly as possible. If necessary, international judges will be appointed,” he said.

Law Adviser Asif Nazrul on Wednesday hoped that the trial of the ‘July mass killings’ could be completed before the next national election as the interim government is committed to ensuring justice to brutal, inhuman killings committed during the July-August uprising. “Though this is a matter of the court, we hope and believe that at the speed we are moving forward, Inshallah, we will be able to complete at least the trial proceedings of the trial court before the next election,” he said. Formal talks with political parties over reforms likely in Feb: Rizwana The law adviser was replying to a question over the July mass killings at a press briefing at the Foreign Service Academy after the submission of the reports of four reform commissions. He said the trial proceedings are going very smoothly as there is no negligence from anyone’s part here. “Our promise and commitment to you that our government will definitely try the brutal and inhumane genocide that took place in Bangladesh,” said Asif Nazrul. In the case of the trial of the mass killing, he said the government is mainly giving importance to the International Crime Tribunal (ICT) as the government has a larger involvement with the trials at the ICT.  All-party meeting Thursday to finalise ‘July Declaration’ with consensus: Mahfuj Mentioning that the investigation of the cases continues fast, he said that it is expected that the hearings on the cases could be started in March next. Environment Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Local Government Adviser Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuiyan and Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam also spoke at the event.