Focusing on qualifications and integrity in judiciary

Over the past 15 years, the judiciary in Bangladesh has been severely politicized. We have already taken some initiatives to improve the environment of the judicial (lower) courts. The past 15 years of the Awami League government have established a legacy of misrule in the judiciary. As the advisor in charge of the Ministry of Law, I will do my utmost to implement legal reforms and appoint the right people to the right positions within the jurisdiction of my ministry.

All harassment cases filed against students involved in the quota reform movement will be withdrawn by August 31. Additionally, the interim government has decided to hold the trial of the July genocide in the International Crimes Tribunal. Whoever is found guilty will be judged in this tribunal.

As the legal advisor, I believe it is my duty to represent the aspirations of the students and the public. I am fully aware of how miscarriages of justice have occurred and how people have been deprived of fair justice. I will do my best to address these issues. We have banned the use of plastic products in the subordinate courts. While it will take some time to replace them, the directive has already been issued.

We have completed the necessary steps to assist the Ministry of Law in appointing judges, including the Chief Justice, to the Appellate Division. The Chief Justice and the other judges of the Appellate Division have already been appointed. We now have a Chief Justice who studied at Oxford University. We have prioritized qualifications and integrity. If you compare the CVs of previous Chief Justices with the current one, you will understand our focus.

In consultation with the Supreme Court, we have ordered all judicial officers and their family members to submit a detailed account of their immovable and movable properties, both within and outside the country.

If justice is not served in the murder of journalist couple Sagar-Runi, we will be held accountable to the nation. I cannot believe how such a brutal murder can be turned into a farce. We will take all necessary measures to bring back the money that has been taken abroad by corrupt individuals and hold them accountable.

I was once an accused under the Cyber Security Act, so naturally, I am not a fan of this law. It needs to be reformed. The controversial Speedy Supply of Power and Energy (Special Provisions) Act, enacted during the Awami League regime, will be repealed. Although this is not directly under my ministry's purview, there is an advisor to the Ministry of Power, Energy, and Mineral Resources. I will raise the issue with him as soon as possible. I hope this law will be repealed soon.

Dr. Asif Nazrul: Advisor to the Interim Government on Law, Justice, and Parliamentary Affairs, as well as Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment, and Cultural Affairs; also a political analyst.