Dhaka: The interim government has announced the withdrawal of 23,865 false and politically motivated cases that were filed by the previous Awami League government against leaders and activists of various political parties, including BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami, and Hefazat-e-Islam. This decision marks a significant step towards addressing grievances related to politically influenced legal actions.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the announcement was made by Dr Nd Rezaul Karim, Spokesperson for the Ministry of Law, Justice, and Parliamentary Affairs. He highlighted that approximately half a million people have benefited from this move, as they are now relieved from harassment caused by the cases filed by the Awami League government.
To facilitate the withdrawal of such cases, the interim government established district committees on September 22, 2024, led by respective deputy commissioners, along with an inter-ministerial committee chaired by Law Adviser Dr Asif Nazrul. These committees were tasked with reviewing applications from political parties seeking withdrawal of politically motivated harassment cases filed between January 6, 2009, and August 5, 2024.
The inter-ministerial committee, after examining petitions through 39 meetings, recommended the withdrawal of 23,865 cases. The process of reviewing and withdrawing additional cases remains ongoing, as confirmed by ministry sources.