Dhaka: Law Adviser Dr. Asif Nazrul has outlined a wide range of legal and institutional reforms carried out by the Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs since the July mass uprising, amid criticism over his role. In a Facebook post, he said while the work was done collectively by the ministry, he had personally been involved in every initiative, often working long hours, including weekends, to ensure implementation. Responding to critics, he urged them to review the ministry’s work before passing judgment.
According to United News of Bangladesh, the ministry implemented 22 legal reforms, 15 institutional reforms and digitalisation measures, recommended withdrawal of 23,866 politically motivated harassment cases, supported genocide trials related to the July uprising, and significantly increased daily administrative output.
Among the key legal reforms highlighted, the International Crimes (Tribunal) Ordinance was updated to align with international standards, incorporating enforced disappearance as a crime against humanity. The Supreme Court Judges Appointment Ordinance established an independent Judicial Council to ensure merit-based appointments, while the Supreme Court Secretariat Ordinance ensured greater judicial independence.
A Commercial Courts Ordinance introduced specialised courts with expedited case disposal, and the National Human Rights Commission Ordinance, 2025 was restructured to enhance investigative powers. The Prevention of Enforced Disappearance Ordinance, 2025 set maximum punishments and empowered the NHRC to investigate such cases.
The ministry also introduced the July Mass Uprising (Protection and Accountability) Ordinance, criminal law reforms, and amendments to the Women and Children Repression Prevention Act. Reforms to the Representation of the People Order and the Cyber Security Ordinance, 2025, were also implemented, alongside changes to Power of Attorney rules and Marriage Registration Rules.
Institutional reforms saw the adoption of rules to strengthen judicial service independence, establishment of Information and Service Centres in courts, and centralised recruitment through the Bangladesh Judicial Service Commission. Digital initiatives included online testimony and e-Family Courts, among others.
The ministry recommended the withdrawal of 23,866 politically motivated harassment cases and withdrew numerous cases related to student protests and speech under cyber laws. Additionally, it supported genocide trials linked to the July uprising.
In terms of administrative output, the ministry disposed of 2,281 files at the ministerial level and provided 578 legal opinions to various departments. It also supported reform commissions and codified rules and regulations for the first time.
Dr. Asif Nazrul noted that further details regarding the Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare would be disclosed to the nation soon.