Dhaka: The interim government has recommended the withdrawal of 23,865 political harassment cases filed against leaders and activists of various political parties during the previous Awami League government, officials said. As a result, nearly five lakh individuals are expected to be relieved from what the government described as politically motivated cases, according to a government handout.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the cases were filed between January 6, 2009, and August 5, 2024, against members of several political parties and organizations, including Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, Hefazat-e-Islam, and Gono Odhikar Parishad.
To review and withdraw these cases, the interim government formed district-level committees headed by Deputy Commissioners, alongside an inter-ministerial committee led by Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Adviser Dr. Asif Nazrul. The committees invited applications from political parties seeking withdrawal of cases they alleged were filed for political harassment.
Based on petitions submitted by the affected parties, the inter-ministerial committee has so far held 39 meetings to scrutinize the cases and has recommended the withdrawal of 23,865 cases. Officials said the review process is ongoing, and more cases may be considered in the future.