16,000 cases withdrawn, 18 reforms implemented

Following the mass uprising, the current interim government began its journey on August 8, 2024, amid high public expectations. Over the past year, the Law Ministry has carried out nearly 18 reform initiatives to realize the aspirations of that uprising. During this period, the ministry has withdrawn around 16,000 politically motivated harassment cases filed before August 8 last year, particularly those lodged between 2009 and August 7, 2024.

According to ministry sources, the reforms include amending the International Crimes (Tribunals) Act, 1973 to align it with international standards of justice. The amendments added enforced disappearance to the definition of crimes against humanity, ensured protection of the accused’s rights, introduced provisions for appointing international observers, allowed live broadcasting of trial proceedings, and established interim appeals, witness protection, and victim compensation systems. Information and service centers have been set up in all court premises, reducing harassment in obtaining case updates, hearing dates, and legal procedure information.

The ministry has also collected and reviewed the asset statements of subordinate court judges, taking appropriate measures based on the findings. Personal data records for sub-registrars have been created. A policy has been prepared to introduce a centrally conducted recruitment process via the Bangladesh Judicial Service Commission to appoint skilled court staff nationwide. For the first time, a software system has been developed to allow online submission of bail bonds, aimed at making bail access easier for litigants. This system is expected to begin on a trial basis soon.

Recently, a special cell has been formed at the ministry to monitor the prosecution of crimes committed against students and citizens during the July–August movement. To speed up trials, the Supreme Court—based on the ministry’s recommendation—has issued a practice direction allowing doctors, magistrates, and other government officials to testify online. As part of the drive to fully digitize the court system, two family courts in Dhaka and Chattogram are being established as e-family courts. The ministry has already achieved its target of disposing of 50% of Law and Justice Division files through a de-papered (digital) process. Over the past year, attestation services have been made 100% online.

Regarding the withdrawal of politically motivated cases, district-level committees and the Law and Justice Division reviewed FIRs, charge sheets, and other case details before withdrawing over 16,000 cases. These included 408 cyber law “speech offense” cases and 752 harassment cases filed against participants in the July–August movement. The withdrawals have freed hundreds of thousands of political activists from legal entanglements, though no cases filed after the July–August uprising were withdrawn.

In addition, after the uprising, all government law officers appointed under the previous administration were relieved of their duties, and the interim government appointed the highest number of law officers in the country’s history. A total of 4,889 government law officers were appointed to various courts and tribunals across the country, along with 274 attorneys at the Attorney General’s Office. The ministry also provided administrative support for the appointment of the Chief Justice, five Appellate Division judges, and 23 High Court Division judges. The International Crimes Tribunal was also staffed with the necessary number of judges and prosecutors.

Dr. Asif Nazrul, legal adviser, said “Since August last year, the Law Ministry has implemented groundbreaking work, including nearly 18 major reforms that have transformed the country’s legal and judicial landscape. Ordinary citizens are already benefiting from these changes. Moreover, nearly 16,000 politically motivated cases from the previous government’s tenure have been withdrawn within a short time, freeing about a hundred thousand defendants to live without fear.”

Attorney General Md. Asaduzzaman said
“The interim government has undertaken reforms in several sectors, with the most practical and significant changes occurring in the legal and judicial sector. Withdrawing nearly 16,000 politically motivated cases from the past 16 years has restored normal life to many innocent defendants.”

Barrister Ruhul Quddus Kajol, Secretary of Supreme Court Bar Association, said
“The Law Ministry has carried out important reforms over the past year, including the withdrawal of nearly 16,000 politically motivated cases. However, full discipline in the judiciary has yet to be restored. The issue of reducing case backlogs has not received sufficient priority, and the establishment of a separate secretariat for the Supreme Court remains pending. I hope the next elected government will give due importance to these matters.”