Law
Was the Bagerhat administration just waiting for Fatima's death?
The tragic death of seven-year-old Fatima Akhter in a pond near the Hazrat Khan Jahan Ali (R.) Shrine in Bagerhat cannot simply be dismissed as an accident, especially given the numerous warning signs that preceded this incident. There have also been previous occurrences of fatalities.
Family or state: Who bears the responsibility for the safety of children?
Each day, upon engaging with the media, we are confronted with distressing reports of child abuse, rape, murder, kidnapping, and child labor. Recently, incidents such as the murder of Ramisa, along with a series of child abuse and murder cases across various regions of the country, have profoundly unsettled society once more. Whether at school, at home, or on the streets, it appears that children are not entirely safe in any environment. In this technological era, children encounter numerous risks both in the physical world and online.
Has the state lost guardianship of its citizens?
The measure of a state's strength is not determined by its GDP or large-scale projects, but rather by how well it safeguards its most vulnerable citizens during times of peril.
From newborn to 6-year-old: Innocent childhood in prison
A mother is nursing her 46-day-old infant on the balcony of the court. Lawyers are present in abundance, police are on patrol, and the atmosphere is filled with the commotion of legal documents.
From unlawful arbitration to murder: State must set example of justice
A 15-year-old girl from Narsingdi displayed remarkable bravery by pursuing justice for her rape. Tragically, her life was abruptly ended while she sought that justice. Allegations state that she was abducted in public while attempting to reach safety with her father, and her lifeless body was discovered the following day. This incident transcends mere murder; it highlights a profound crisis within our law enforcement, human rights safeguards, and social justice systems. When an individual striving for justice loses their life, it raises a critical question – does the legal framework of the state truly provide a secure environment for its citizens?
Constitution, fundamental rights and remedies
The constitution functions as the backbone of a country. It is a set of fundamental rules and conventions that determine the relationships between different branches of a state’s government, i.e., the legislative, executive, and judiciary. It outlines the powers of the rulers, describes the fundamental rights of the ruled, defines the relationship between ruler and ruled, and establishes the judiciary for redress when the ruler exceeds their authority and infringes upon the rights of the ruled. The Constitution of Bangladesh was adopted on November 4, 1972 and came into effect on November 16, 1972.
Tears of the rape victim remains unseen
The deteriorating law and order situation in the country has led to a sharp rise in horrifying incidents of rape. Among them, the brutal rape of an 8-year-old child in Magura has shocked the nation. According to research reports from the Bangladesh Mahila Parishad and Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK), in just January and February of this year, 96 people were raped, including 44 children.
A constitutional counter-revolution unfolded after such a significant mass uprising
Poet and thinker Farhad Mazhar delivered a speech at a discussion titled "Post-Uprising Constitution Debate: Searching for Sources and Destinations," on September 23, held at the Abdul Karim Sahitya Bisharad Auditorium in the Bangla Academy. A transcript of his address has been published for the readers of Views Bangladesh, with the first part of the discussion appearing today.
Corruption, bribery free environment hampers SC activities
After the quick-fire collapse of Sheikh Hasina's Awami League regime, reformation is going on in every institutions and sectors around the country. The Supreme Court isn’t behind as well. All the judges who were in the Appellate Division during the Awami League led government, including the Chief Justice, have resigned. 7 more judges have been appointed in the Appellate Division along with new Chief Justice. With this radical change, the image of each section of the Supreme Court has also changed. The employees of each and every section are always concerned to avoid any untoward situation. As a result, bribery and corruption at Supreme Court has largely disappeared. Thus, processes of preparing cases has decreased at an alarming rate.
Shirin Sharmin still holds JS Speaker post as none takes over the role: Experts
After Sheikh Hasina left the country on August 5, one after another murder cases are being filed against her across the country. The President then dissolved the Parliament. But according to the constitution, the Speaker of the National Parliament Shirin Sharmin Choudhury remained in office. But a murder case was file against Shirin Sharmin and 17 other people over killing of gold worker Muslim Uddin, 38, on August 27 in Rangpur. Later, Speaker Shirin Sharmin Choudhury resigned on September 2. Constitutional experts informed that according to the current constitution of Bangladesh, Shirin Sharmin Choudhury will be deemed to hold the post of Speaker until someone new takes over. There is no opportunity in the constitution to elect the Speaker without fresh elections. However, if the constitution is not followed or if the current constitution is repealed or suspended, that is a different matter.