Attorney General Md Asaduzzaman has expressed deep concerns over the continued presence of judges who have allegedly acted as accomplices of fascism in significant positions within the judiciary.

At a programme on Saturday, he emphasised that these judges, known for their roles in undermining citizens' rights, remain in critical postings.

Asaduzzaman highlighted the urgent need for vigilance from both the legal advisory offices and the Chief Justice's office, warning that the ongoing situation could tarnish public trust in the judicial system.

He recalled a dark period over the last decade and a half, where citizens’ basic human rights and voting rights were reportedly stripped away through violence, enforced disappearances, and repression.

According to data from various organisations, between 2009 and July 5, 2024, over 4,000 individuals fell victim to extrajudicial killings at the hands of law enforcement, while more than 700 experienced enforced disappearance. The Attorney General noted that millions were falsely accused in cases designed to suppress dissent, leading to a significant erosion of fundamental rights such as freedom of speech and assembly.

Reflecting on the judiciary’s role during these turbulent times, Asaduzzaman lamented its failure to uphold justice, asserting that many judges acted either as passive observers or adopted submissive stances. However, he praised recent improvements, stating that since July 5, no extrajudicial killings have occurred in Bangladesh—a positive shift attributed to the leadership of Legal Affairs Adviser Asif Nazrul.

The Attorney General also called attention to the challenge of corruption within the judiciary, which he categorized as both economic and intellectual. He urged for a commitment to eradicate corruption at all levels, emphasizing the moral responsibility of authorities to ensure a fair and just legal system.