Dhaka:The government of Bangladesh has announced plans to withdraw all politically motivated cases, with the exception of rape cases, provided they meet specific procedural requirements and pass a screening process. Law Minister Md Asaduzzaman made this declaration during a session in the Jatiya Sangsad, emphasizing that even murder cases identified as politically motivated could be withdrawn.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the Law Minister clarified that the withdrawal would be contingent upon the applications being submitted in the prescribed format and going through due process. He encouraged political leaders and activists with pending cases to apply for withdrawal, assuring them that the government would consider these applications carefully.
The Law Minister also addressed questions from lawmakers regarding the backlog of cases and the shortage of judges. He acknowledged that 394 judicial posts were currently vacant across the country and stated that initiatives were being taken to fill these positions.
Additionally, the minister explained the three categories of cases eligible for withdrawal. Cases at the final report stage, particularly those without submitted charge sheets, had largely received final reports post the July Uprising on August 5. Cases where charge sheets had been submitted but witness testimony had yet to commence were also under consideration for withdrawal.
In his remarks, the minister highlighted that both former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia and BNP Chairman and incumbent Prime Minister Tarique Rahman had not applied for withdrawal of their cases and had sought legal remedies through judicial processes.