Attorney General
Appeal depends on review: AG about grenade attack case verdict
Attorney General Md Asaduzzaman has said that the decision on whether to file an appeal against the High Court's verdict in the August 21 grenade attack case will be made after reviewing the rationale behind the judgement.
“We will decide on filing an appeal after reviewing the rationale of the judgement. I believe an appeal should be filed,” he said in response to queries from the media regarding the possibility of an appeal on Sunday.
Earlier in the day, the High Court pronounced a verdict acquitting BNP’s Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, former state minister for home Lutfozzaman Babar and all other accused in the case.
Dec 4 rally of secretariat employees postponed
The judgement also nullified the convictions and sentences handed down by the trial court.
The grenade attack on August 21, 2004, targeted an Awami League rally in Dhaka, killing 24 people and injuring many more.
3 weeks ago
Attorney General argues for removal of “Father of the Nation”, “Bengali Nationalism”, “Secularism” from Constitution
Attorney General Md Asaduzzaman today called for significant revisions to the Constitution, suggesting the removal of key provisions such as socialism, Bengali nationalism, secularism, and the designation of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman as "Father of the Nation."
During the fifth day of hearings at the High Court on the legality of the 15th Constitutional Amendment, he argued that these changes would align the constitution with the country's democratic and historical ethos.
The Attorney General also demanded the reinstatement of provisions for a referendum, which was abolished under the 15th Amendment.
Speaking to the media after the hearing, the Attorney General said that retaining the 15th Amendment undermines the spirit of the Liberation War, the 1990 mass uprising, and the 2024 July revolution. "The amendment betrays the sacrifices of martyrs like Abu Sayed and Mugdho," he said.
He accused the amendment of prolonging authoritarian rule and violating constitutional supremacy. "It’s a direct assault on democracy and the rule of law," he said, adding that the amendment perpetuates division among citizens and disrupts the country’s political stability.
Attorney General argues for removal of “Father of the Nation”, “Bengali Nationalism”, “Secularism” from Constitution
Touching on the inclusion of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman as "Father of the Nation" in the preamble of the constitution, Asaduzzaman acknowledged Mujib’s critical role in Bangladesh's independence. "Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s contributions to our Liberation War are undeniable, but the imposition of this title in the 15th Amendment deviates from the original spirit of the constitution," he noted.
The Attorney General argued that this inclusion fosters political polarisation and has been enforced in a way that restricts dissent, making it a punishable offence to criticise him. "This contradicts the spirit of constitutional inclusivity," he said.
The Attorney General further criticised Article 6, which defines national identity through language, claiming it has fostered unnecessary divisions among citizens. He argued that no other country uses language as a basis for national identity, making this provision unique and problematic.
He also took issue with Articles 7(ka) and 7(kha), claiming they undermine democracy and serve authoritarian purposes. Calling for their repeal, he asserted these articles were enacted with ill intent to stifle democratic institutions.
Addressing Article 8, Asaduzzaman argued that socialism and secularism do not reflect the realities of a nation where 90% of the population is Muslim. He advocated for reinstating the original phrasing, which emphasised unwavering faith in Allah. He also questioned the relevance of Bengali nationalism in Article 9, calling it inconsistent with modern democratic principles.
The Attorney General vehemently opposed the abolition of the caretaker government system, calling it a "stab in the heart of democracy."
The Attorney General urged the reinstatement of referendum provisions under Article 142, arguing it was essential for restoring democratic accountability. He criticised the amendment for enabling MPs elected through "election engineering" to unilaterally eliminate this critical democratic mechanism.
1 month ago
File report on money launderers by Feb 28: HC
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4 years ago
2002 Netrokona gang-rape: 5 death row convicts cleared of all charges
The High Court on Monday cleared five death row convicts of all charges in a case filed over gang-rape of a teenage girl 18 years ago.
4 years ago
No relocation of stray dogs for now: Attorney general
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4 years ago
AM Amin Uddin made new attorney general
AM Amin Uddin, a senior lawyer of the Supreme Court and President of Bangladesh Supreme Court Bar Association, has been appointed as the new attorney general.
4 years ago
HC order for legal action over patient’s death for negligence stayed
The Appellate Division on Tuesday stayed a High Court (HC) order that had directed the authorities concerned to take legal action if patients are denied treatment.
4 years ago
Khaleda’s sentence suspension: AG says govt may look into it upon appeal
Attorney General Mahbubey Alam on Tuesday said the government may look into the suspension of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia’s sentence upon an appeal in this regard.
4 years ago