DHAKA, May 9 (V7N) - Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Adviser Dr. Asif Nazrul stated today that legal obstacles would not prevent the banning of the Awami League (AL), citing existing laws such as the Anti-Terrorism Act.  

In a post on his verified Facebook account, the adviser, a law professor, clarified, "We (advisers) have no disagreement on the issue of taking action against the Awami League. However, everyone can have their own opinion on the method. We need to remember that if we want, we can amend the ICT Act within a few days. There are other laws, including the Anti-Terrorism Act, to ban the Awami League. So, the law is not a problem."  

He further explained that if political parties demand the banning of the Awami League and relevant trial courts deliver judgments or observations supporting such a move, the party could be legally banned. "The Law Ministry's draft included a provision to ban an organization, in the ICT Act to create an opportunity to ban the Awami League. As the law adviser, I myself raised this in the Advisory Council meeting. How is it possible that I would oppose the draft that was raised by me? Please refrain from blaming me, the student advisers or anyone else for whatever role played by whichever adviser in the Advisory Council meeting," he added.  

Regarding the departure of former President Abdul Hamid, Dr. Asif Nazrul clarified that it was the responsibility of the police and intelligence agencies to prevent the former president, who is accused in a murder case, from leaving the country. "Which is in no way a matter under the jurisdiction of my Law Ministry," he stated.  

"The lower court judges are under the jurisdiction of my ministry. As you probably know, it is not the responsibility of the judges to guard airports or to prevent anyone from travelling," he concluded.

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