"We had a culture of impunity…The Awami League government has brought the country out of this culture,” said the minister.

He was speaking at the grand finale and award giving ceremony of ‘Anti-oppression National Debate Competition’ jointly arranged by Debate for Democracy, ATN Bangla and United Commercial Bank (UCB) at the Bangladesh Film Development Corporation (FDC) auditorium.

The competition was dedicated to the memory of the slain Feni madrassa student Nusrat Jahan Rafi.

Terming the speedy investigation and trial in Nusrat murder case a milestone, he said, “Despite being local unit members of the ruling party, many have been sentenced to death in Nusrat murder case.”

 “Violence cannot be reduced only with the verdict in Nusrat murder case. However, one thing to be aware of is that, no matter how powerful anyone is, nobody is above the law,” he said.

“I encourage women to lodge complain if something is wrong. No one will be forgiven if they commit crime,” he added.

The minister mentioned that work is underway to make the old Evidence Act time-befitting.

The government does not intervene in the judiciary, he claimed adding, “The verdict in Nusrat murder case has proved it.”

Hasan Ahmed Chowdhury Kiran, chairman of Debate for Democracy, called for observing April 10 as Anti-Oppression Day and Sonagazi Islamia Fazil Madrasa to be named after Nusrat Jahan Rafi.

“April 10 has historical importance because of the Liberation War so it is not possible. However, the madrassa can be named after Nusrat. I will forward the proposal to the government. The authorities concerned will take the decision,” the minister said in response.

Dhaka College and Eden Mohila College were declared as the joint champion of the debate competition. Law Minister Anisul Huq handed over certificates and awards to the winners.