Dhaka: Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Md Asaduzzaman announced that incidents of enforced disappearance and extrajudicial killings have been 'almost nil' during the government's first six months in office. 'We are proud to announce that in our first six months, we have shown our zero tolerance for enforced disappearance and extrajudicial killing. It is almost nil. There's also no complaint that the police have filed any false cases against any political opponents,' he stated.
According to United News of Bangladesh, the minister made these remarks while addressing an event at Dhaka University's Nabab Nawab Ali Chowdhury Senate Bhaban. The event was organized to mark US Constitution Day and commemorate 250 years of American democracy, in collaboration with the DU Faculty of Law and the US Embassy in Dhaka.
Asaduzzaman contrasted the current situation with previous abuses, claiming that over 4,500 BNP leaders and activists were victims of extrajudicial killings, around 700 were forcibly disappeared, and approximately 60 lakh BNP leaders and activists faced false cases under the previous regime. He alleged that most cases were filed by law enforcement agencies themselves.
The minister also highlighted the similarities between the constitutions of Bangladesh and the US, expressing gratitude for the founding principles of the US Constitution. 'I especially pay my tribute to the people of the USA for showing us the path to having one of the finest constitutions in the world by the people of Bangladesh in 1972,' he said, noting the shared democratic pillars.
The Constitution Day event included a public ceremony, a panel discussion, an essay competition, a quiz contest, and an exhibition from the American Founders Museum. US Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent T. Christensen emphasized the resilience of the American Constitution, citing its focus on separation of powers and judicial independence. The event was attended by DU Pro-Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Abdus Salam, Dean of the Faculty of Law Prof Dr Muhammad Ekramul Haque, constitutional experts, academics, and students.