Dhaka, Feb 11 (V7N) – Asif Nazrul, Legal Advisor to the interim government, has called on the judiciary to exercise greater caution when granting bail, emphasizing the need for thorough case reviews amidst the country's evolving political and legal landscape.

Speaking at a workshop on law enforcement, human rights, and environmental issues held in Rajarbagh, Dhaka on Tuesday, Nazrul highlighted the challenges Bangladesh is currently facing and the importance of ensuring justice for past crimes.

"Write the case report nicely, provide information. Don't grant bail to anyone hastily; consider the trial carefully. We are going through a challenging situation," Nazrul said, referencing the 15 years of political unrest marked by disappearances and murders.

He stressed the importance of delivering justice for every crime committed, stating, “There have been 15 years of anarchy. Disappearances, murders—these must not go unpunished. We need to send a clear message that every murder will be judged. Otherwise, there is no point in being in this position.”

Nazrul warned against the dangers of autocratic governance, emphasizing that a properly functioning judiciary is key to reducing authoritarian tendencies. “Autocratism is terrible. If all departments, starting from the judiciary, work properly, autocratism will decrease. Everyone needs to show responsibility,” he added.

At the same event, Adilur Rahman Khan, Advisor to the Ministry of Industries and the Ministry of Housing and Public Works, echoed Nazrul’s sentiments, emphasizing the need for comprehensive reforms across all sectors of government.

"Everyone, including the law enforcement agencies, has been used to establish fascism. The work of liberating the people of the country has begun. Reforms are needed in all sectors. All sectors have been destroyed. Work must be done based on justice," Khan stated.

He also addressed past abuses, stressing that enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings must not recur. “Incidents of disappearance should not happen again. Extrajudicial killings should not happen again. Criminals should be brought to justice under the law,” he said.

Khan further emphasized the importance of protecting human rights within the justice system. “Policing is possible through human rights. We must work to establish a Bangladesh where courts do not use prisons to suppress dissent.”

The Home Affairs Advisor reiterated the government's commitment to ensuring that all criminals are brought under the law and that justice is served. He cautioned against granting bail to individuals involved in terrorism or fascist activities, warning that premature release could lead to a resurgence of criminal activities.

"Be careful that no terrorist or fascist accomplice gets bail," he said. "It is not desirable if they get bail and get involved in crime again."

The advisor emphasized that notable criminals have already been arrested as part of the interim government’s efforts to restore law and order, and that no one will be spared from prosecution.

The statements come amid heightened efforts by the interim government to reform the judiciary, ensure justice for past political crimes, and curb the influence of autocratic and fascist elements within the country. The government has also been conducting widespread anti-crime operations, such as ‘Operation Devil Hunt’, targeting criminal networks and political agitators across Bangladesh.

END/MSS/AJ