Dhaka: Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Adviser Dr. Asif Nazrul announced that the government is actively working on legal reforms to prevent the resurgence of fascism in the country. Speaking at a view-exchange meeting on ‘The Code of Criminal Procedure (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025’ at the Judicial Administration Training Institute auditorium, Nazrul emphasized the importance of fortifying the legal framework against potential authoritarian rule.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Dr. Nazrul articulated the government’s intent to make the legal system robust enough to deter any future attempts at dictatorship or unlawful actions by those in power. He highlighted the need for extensive discussions and multiple drafts in parliament to ensure that the laws serve the public welfare, even as political parties often show reluctance towards such initiatives.
Dr. Nazrul also addressed criticisms about the pace of reforms, pointing out that the process is being expedited to meet public welfare needs. He mentioned that Amnesty International had praised recent amendments to the Cyber Security Act, reflecting the depth of the government’s reform efforts. He stressed that although the government is progressing swiftly, the critics should reconsider their perspectives on the reforms.
The adviser noted the expanded freedom to criticize the government, considering it a significant reform achievement. He also mentioned ongoing efforts to reduce the backlog of legal cases and hinted at significant changes to the Legal Services Act, which could mandate legal aid involvement in cases of petty offenses and family disputes before they reach court.
The meeting was attended by notable figures including Attorney General Md. Asaduzzaman, IGP Baharul Alam, and other legal and academic experts. Participants discussed various aspects of the proposed amendments, with IGP Alam appreciating the inclusion of police in the discussions for the first time.
Attorney General Asaduzzaman raised concerns about the clarity of medical examination procedures for arrested individuals in the draft, suggesting the need for explicit guidelines. Md. Tajul Islam emphasized the necessity of removing colonial elements from existing acts related to law enforcement and corrections.
Dr. Nazrul concluded by assuring that further discussions would lead to logical and necessary amendments to the Criminal Procedure Code, underscoring the government’s commitment to sustained legal reform.