Dhaka: The Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs has initiated a comprehensive effort to compile a detailed list of politically motivated harassment cases filed during the tenure of the former Awami League regime, spanning from January 6, 2009, to August 5, 2024. This move underscores the government's endeavor to address legal challenges and ensure accountability in politically sensitive cases. According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the Solicitor Wing of the Law and Justice Division dispatched official letters to public prosecutors and metropolitan public prosecutors nationwide on December 2. The letters, signed by Deputy Solicitor (GP-PP) Sana Md Mahruf Hossain, instructed the legal officials to meticulously prepare and submit the lists by December 17, following a specific format outlined by the ministry. The ministry's letter emphasized the prevalence of harassment cases filed against political leaders and activists, particularly surrounding the national elections of 2014, 2018, and 2024. The absence of accurate and comprehensive data on these cases has hindered potential legal remedies. Consequently, the ministry has stressed the urgency of collecting detailed information as specified in the letter. Legal officers have been directed to compile the lists, including crucial details such as the district, court, case number, complainant's name and identification, number of accused and unnamed accused, incident date, applicable legal section and act, and the current status of the case. The letter also cautioned public prosecutors to exercise extreme diligence in this matter, as the compiled lists will undergo thorough scrutiny by the ministry. The ministry has provided two submission methods for the lists: a physical address at the Supreme Court Premises or via email at [email protected]. This initiative reflects the ministry's commitment to ensuring transparency and accountability in handling politically motivated legal cases.
