Dhaka: The government has put forward a recommendation to withdraw 6,202 harassment cases deemed politically motivated. This action follows the findings of a seven-member central committee formed by the Home Ministry to review such cases.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the committee, which has examined 6,295 cases submitted by field-level committees, recommended the withdrawal of 6,202 cases. These cases were identified as being filed on political grounds intended for harassment, as stated in a Home Ministry announcement.
This initiative is a collaborative effort between the Home Ministry and the Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Ministry. It aims to prevent the unwarranted harassment of innocent individuals, as well as political leaders and activists.
The central committee, chaired by the Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Adviser, has conducted eight meetings to deliberate on proposals forwarded by field-level committees. These proposals involve cases filed against political leaders and activists over the past 16 years under the previous government.
In addition to the central committee, a four-member field-level committee was established. This committee, led by district magistrates, includes the superintendent of police and public prosecutors. Their role is to verify and select cases deemed politically motivated for review.
Once verified and selected by the field-level committee, proposals for case withdrawals are sent to the central committee. These proposals are submitted by district magistrates from various districts and the solicitor’s office of the Law and Justice Department for further consideration.