Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Md Asaduzzaman on Saturday said incidents of extrajudicial killings have declined to almost zero under the current government, while it continues to maintain a zero-tolerance policy against enforced disappearances.
He made the remarks while addressing a consultation meeting organised by human rights organisation Odhikar at the CIRDAP auditorium in the capital.
The minister said the government has been working to withdraw politically motivated cases filed between 2009 and 2024 and that the process has reached its final stage.
However, he clarified that rape cases would not be considered for withdrawal, regardless of claims that they were politically motivated. Cases filed under narcotics laws would be examined carefully to determine whether they had been lodged to harass political opponents before any decision is taken, he said.
Speaking about the proposed Human Rights Commission Act and the Prevention and Remedies for Enforced Disappearance Act, Asaduzzaman said three rounds of consultations had already been held with civil society representatives, law enforcement agencies and development partners before finalising the draft laws.
He said both draft bills have been sent to the Cabinet Committee and expressed hope that they would be approved at the next Cabinet meeting before being placed in Parliament without delay.
The minister stressed that judicial independence cannot be ensured merely through constitutional or legal provisions but requires the transparent appointment of competent, qualified and honest judges.
He also criticised what he described as the judiciary's silence during the previous Awami League government's tenure over the arrests of Amar Desh editor Dr Mahmudur Rahman, human rights activist Adilur Rahman Khan and numerous BNP leaders and activists in what he termed false and politically motivated cases.
Reiterating the government's position, Asaduzzaman said extrajudicial killings have fallen to nearly zero during the current administration and that the government remains committed to a zero-tolerance policy against enforced disappearances.
He added that the government would continue its stance against domination, imperialism, anarchism and extremism.
Concluding his speech, the minister sought public patience as the government implements its reform agenda.
"If we make mistakes, point them out to us. We will accept constructive criticism," he said.
At the same time, he warned that the government would not support any move that could lead to the resurgence of domination, imperialism or extremism.
The meeting, chaired by Odhikar President Dr Tasmin Siddiqui, was also addressed by Amar Desh editor Dr Mahmudur Rahman, Chief Prosecutor of the International Crimes Tribunal Aminul Islam, former Justice Moinul Islam Chowdhury and Odhikar Director ASM Nasiruddin Elan, among others.