United News of Bangladesh

Law Adviser Dr Asif Nazrul on Sunday said establishing the rule of law remains the country’s biggest challenge, though significant progress has been made in that direction. He, however, cautioned that achieving lasting success would be difficult without sincerity and commitment from an elected government after the next election. "Some people say no reforms have been made. However, in such a short time, there has never been such a significant amount of reform in the history of Bangladesh," he said. Turning to the exchange rate, the Adviser said it has remained unchanged, while remittance inflows have increased. "Where there was previously no sufficient mechanism to retain, now it has been made possible. Our reform commissions are at an expensive level," Asif Nazrul said. The adviser went on to say, “Among 10 recommendations, six have been kept. So, you cannot say that no recommendations have been kept. Some people spread negativities, which acts like a stimulus, but it negatively influences people." If independence exists without accountability, it does not bring success, the Adviser said, adding that the judges of the higher judiciary must strictly adhere to the code of conduct.  "The majority provision will provide success for people. Legal aid has now increased fivefold. Theoretically, we have done everything required for judicial independence. If accountability is ensured, you will achieve success."   ICC flags Mustafiz as security risk; Asif Nazrul calls decision ‘absurd’ The Centre for Governance Studies (CGS) organised the policy dialogue titled ‘Judicial Independence and the Rule of Law’ at the CIRDAP (Centre for Integrated Rural Development for Asia and the Pacific) auditorium in Dhaka. The event brought together political leaders, civil society representatives, academics, lawyers, and human rights activists to discuss how judicial independence and the rule of law can be ensured through the protection of citizens' fundamental rights, accountability of state power, and equality in law enforcement in a just and democratic state. Shamim Haider Patwary, General Secretary of the Jatiya Party (Japa); Ruhin Hossain Prince, former General Secretary of the Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB); Subrata Chowdhury, President of Gono Forum;  Nilufar Chowdhury Moni, former Minister of BNP;  Barrister Nusrat Khan, Vice Principal of the British School of Law; Bajlur Rashid Firoz, Bangladesh Socialist Party (BASAD); Dr. Mostafizur Rahman Faisal, Joint General Secretary of Khelafat Majlis; Mohammad Tajul Islam, Chief Prosecutor of the International Crimes Tribunal; Ekhtedar Ahmed, Former Judge; Barristers M. Moin Alam Firozi, Shihab Uddin Khan, Sarwar Hossain, and Mohammad Ali; Dr. Abdul Latif Masum, former Professor at Jahangirnagar University; Dr Borhan Uddin Khan, Professor at Dhaka University; Advocate Shaukat Ali Howlader, Central Law Secretary of the Islamic Movement of Bangladesh; Zillur Rahman, President of the Centre for Governance Studies (CGS); and Parvez Karim Abbasi, Executive Director of CGS also spoke at the event.  

Bangladesh’s participation in the T20 World Cup hit fresh controversy on Monday after Youth and Sports Adviser Asif Nazrul said the International Cricket Council (ICC) had formally flagged pacer Mustafizur Rahman as a potential security risk. Speaking at a press conference at the Bangladesh Football Federation, Asif Nazrul disclosed that the global body’s security department sent a letter to the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) citing three specific factors that would heighten risks for the team in India. ICC may reject Sri Lanka move, will offer Bangladesh southern India venues instead According to the Sports Adviser, the ICC said the presence of Mustafizur in the squad, Bangladeshi supporters wearing national jerseys in public, and the proximity of Bangladesh's upcoming national elections are the security risk for the Bangladesh team.   Asif Nazrul vehemently rejected the ICC’s assessment, labeling the observations as ‘bizarre’ and ‘illogical’.  He argued that expecting a nation to drop its best bowler, forbid fans from wearing team colors, or alter an election schedule for a cricket tournament is completely unrealistic. Bangladesh standoff a litmus test' for ICC chair Jay Shah, reports NDTV According to the Adviser, the letter itself serves as undeniable proof that the environment in India is currently hostile and unsafe for Bangladeshi cricketers. He pointed to a 16-month-long ‘anti-Bangladesh campaign’ and the prevailing ‘radical communal situation’ in India as the root causes of the tension. The Adviser criticised the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for allegedly bowing to “radical communal forces” by forcing the Kolkata Knight Riders to release Mustafiz, a move he described as evidence that no part of India is currently safe for the team. BCB to continue ‘constructive engagement’ with ICC for T20 World Cup solution Addressing potential solutions, Adviser Nazrul welcomed recent reports suggesting Pakistan as an alternative host, stating that playing in Pakistan or the UAE would be acceptable, provided the matches are moved out of India. He sharply rebuked the governance of cricket, asserting that no single country should hold a monopoly over the sport and that if the ICC is truly a global organisation, it must grant Bangladesh the opportunity to play in a neutral venue like Sri Lanka.

Sports Adviser Asif Nazrul reaffirmed on Wednesday that Bangladesh will not travel to India for the upcoming T20 World Cup, reiterating the nation’s demand to have their matches relocated to co-host Sri Lanka. Speaking to the media following a meeting with directors of the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), Asif Nazrul said while the nation is eager to participate it cannot be at the expense of national dignity or player safety. “We have discussed the situation.The Bangladesh team played hard and fought to qualify for the T20 World Cup, and as a cricket-crazy nation, we certainly want to play in the World Cup,” he said. However, he drew a firm line regarding the venue. Action on Sports Ministry graft, time permitting: Asif Nazrul “We do not want to take part in the World Cup at the cost of the honour of the country, or at the cost of the security of the team, players, and the journalists of Bangladesh,” he said.  This development follows a week of escalating tensions. On Monday, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting officially banned the telecast of the IPL in Bangladesh, labeling Mustafizur’s removal as ‘illogical’. Asif Nazrul earlier endorsed that blackout, asserting that ‘the days of slavery are over’ in response to what Dhaka views as the BCCI's ‘radical communal policy.’ He also revealed that the Bangladesh had received communication from the sport's governing body but felt the gravity of the situation was misunderstood. “We got a letter from the ICC,” he said. “I think they did not fully realise the security issue that is in place in India. It’s not just a security issue; it is an issue of national honour as well.” The Adviser pointed to the recent controversy involving pacer Mustafizur Rahman as undeniable proof of the hostile environment. Mustafizur was released by the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) following a directive from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) earlier this week—a move Nazrul cited as evidence that ‘there is no situation to play in India for Bangladesh.’ “There is a bigger picture regarding the communal issue that I don’t want to discuss here,” he added. “We will not compromise with our national honour or the security of our cricketers. We of course want to play the World Cup, but only in the other host nation, Sri Lanka. We are standing firmly by this stance.” He concluded by stating that Bangladesh would continue to press the ICC to understand the reality on the ground. “Our main position is that we will not compromise our national honour and security,” he added.  

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on Friday night (November 28) sent Law Adviser Asif Nazrul and his Special Assistant Monir Haider to Evercare Hospital to enquire about the health condition of BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia. The duo talked to doctors at the hospital to learn about Khaleda Zia’s condition, said BNP Media Cell member Sayrul Kabir Khan. He said they also spoke with BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, who was present at the hospital. Read more: 'Political realities prevent my return', says Tarique as he seeks prayers for Khaleda Later, in a Facebook post around 1am, the Law Adviser wrote, “I went to Evercare Hospital and just returned. Begum Khaleda Zia’s physical condition is not good at all. Please everyone pray for her.” Khaleda Zia was admitted to Evercare Hospital on the night of November 23 on the advice of the medical board after being diagnosed with infections in her heart and lungs. She is also suffering from pneumonia and is currently under intensive observation in the Coronary Care Unit (CCU), with supervision from both local and foreign specialist doctors. Read more: CA’s representatives visit Evercare to enquire about Khaleda’s health

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on Friday night sent Law Adviser Asif Nazrul and his Special Assistant Monir Haider to Evercare Hospital to enquire about the health condition of BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia. The duo talked to doctors at the hospital to learn about Khaleda Zia’s condition, said BNP Media Cell member Sayrul Kabir Khan. He said they also spoke with BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, who was present at the hospital. Chief Adviser seeks prayers for Khaleda Zia’s recovery Khaleda Zia was admitted to Evercare Hospital on the night of November 23 on the advice of the medical board after being diagnosed with infections in her heart and lungs. She is also suffering from pneumonia and is currently under intensive observation in the Coronary Care Unit (CCU), with supervision from both local and foreign specialist doctors.  

There is no reason to be worried about the upcoming national election, as the government is determined to hold the polls in the first half of February, reaffirmed Law Affairs Adviser Asif Nazrul on Sunday (9th November, 2025). “There is no issue of postponing the election, as it will definitely be held, and all necessary steps will be taken to ensure a festive atmosphere,” he said while talking to reporters at the Legal Aid Office of the Chief Judicial Magistrate Court building in Rajshahi. Mentioning that the political parties often make various statements to put pressure on each other and on the advisers, the law adviser said, “Their words create doubts in the public mind about the election.” “There hasn’t been an election for 16–17 years; so naturally there is some anxiety among people. About five crore citizens have never had the chance to cast their votes. So, this election is very important to them and the people of Bangladesh are eagerly waiting for it with great enthusiasm,” he said. Asif Nazrul decries political rift, says CA to decide on referendum Referring to the bail granted by the court, the adviser said, “Granting of bail does not depend solely on judges, it also depends on police reports. If there is video footage or recorded voice evidence that becomes an exception.” “Bail can be granted where it is suitable to do so. However, if those who get bail might commit similar crimes, disrupt the country's law and order situation, harm the environment or act as members of a banned organisation, then it would be cause of concern,” he added. Noting that three judges are being appointed in place of one in certain courts to ease backlogs, the adviser said, “We are taking various initiatives to reform the judiciary and the public will definitely benefit from these efforts.” Read more: NCP accuses Asif Nazrul of political biasness over amendment issue

Law Adviser Asif Nazrul on Thursday voiced disappointment over the widening rift among political parties regarding the proposed national referendum, terming the lack of consensus after prolonged dialogue ‘deeply frustrating’. Speaking at a briefing at the Foreign Service Academy in the city, Asif Nazrul said the issue of escalating tensions and disagreements among political parties was discussed at the Council of Advisers meeting. “The Consensus Commission has proposed two options-- one is to implement the July Charter first and then hold the referendum, if not done within 270 days the constitutional amendment would take effect automatically. Another is to leave the matter to the elected parliament. Parties remain sharply divided over which of the two options they find more acceptable. Disagreements over the timing of the referendum have reached their peak,” he said. The adviser warned that any attempt by a political party to impose its own position on the government would contradict the spirit of July. Fakhrul slams ‘one-sided’ July Charter recommendations “If any political party tries to unilaterally impose its decision on the government, where does that leave the spirit of July? Whatever anyone says, the election will be held in the first half of February. But ensuring a proper electoral environment is not only the government’s responsibility — the parties share that responsibility, too,” he added. Asked who will make the final decision on the timing of the referendum, Asif said the Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus will make the ultimate call, with advisers serving as his associates in the process. “This decision will be taken by the Chief Adviser himself. He will consult us if necessary, and once a decision is made, we will stand firmly by it. The decision will come very soon,” he said. Responding to questions about political ultimatum, Asif said, “If any party sets a deadline or attempts to enforce its stance that only shows there is no consensus among them. It also means they want the government to uphold their partisan position.” Memo to CEC: Jamaat among 8 parties demand referendum in Nov “They have been given enough time for discussions. The disunity they are showing now — they should reflect on where that leaves the spirit of July,” he added with visible frustration. Asif also discussed the timeframe for implementing the July Charter, noting that the feasibility of automatic implementation within the stipulated 270 days is being reviewed. He said the Council of Advisers held preliminary discussions on issuing an order to implement the July Charter and that a decision on the matter will be made soon.

Law Adviser Dr Asif Nazrul on Wednesday said that all political parties participated sincerely in the discussions on the July Charter and are expected to sign the document in the same spirit. “'I think all political parties have participated in this discussion with dedication. I do not know what they will do. But I believe, as a continuation of this dedication, they will sign the July Charter. I believe everyone will sign it,” he said while talking to reporters at the Secretariat. Talking about the upcoming national parliamentary election, the Law Adviser said, “Whenever there is an interim government, such concerns over elections naturally arise. On behalf of the government, I firmly said we are committed to holding the election in the first half of February. There is no room for second thoughts—not even in passing conversation.” NCC to place its final recommendations on July Charter by October 15 Mentioning about the separate secretariat for the Supreme Court, the adviser said the ministry will submit a proposal to the Advisory Council within the next few weeks to establish a separate secretariat for the Supreme Court. “This has been one of the key recommendations of the Judicial Reform Commission. We’ve done substantial work on this issue. There are some areas of differing opinion that still need to be discussed,” he said. The proposal will be placed before the Council of Advisers in the coming weeks, on behalf of the ministry and if the council sees merit in it, it will be approved, he said, adding, “I do believe this government will be able to establish the Supreme Court Secretariat during its term.” Dr Nazrul also commented on the evolving political climate, saying that criticism and threats directed at advisers by political parties and groups reflect a shift from previous practices.

Law Adviser Asif Nazrul on Tuesday said the national election will be held in February next as announced by the Chief Adviser. “We are determined from the government’s side. Our Sir (Chief Adviser) is a globally respected and admired person. He has announced the timeline himself and there is no question of stepping back from the announcement,” he said after a meeting at the Cabinet Division at the Secretariat. When asked about confusion over the election time as different political parties expressed different opinions, the Law Adviser said holding the election is the government’s responsibility, not the parties. Election ‘date’ within days: Asif Nazrul “The government is determined about holding the polls in February. That is what we have in mind and that is what will happen,” he said. Nazrul also said political parties often make changing statements to serve their own purposes which are part of the political process in Bangladesh. Law Ministry blamed for law and order situation just because of its name: Asif Nazrul “Traditionally, such political rhetoric has always been there in the country and it continues in the same way now. There has not been any qualitative change in it. So, the remarks from different parties about the election timing should be seen as part of the political process,” he added.  

The government will soon publish lists of ‘politically motivated cases’ recommended for withdrawal by a committee formed at the ministry level. The decision was taken on Sunday at the 12th meeting of the committee with Law Adviser Dr. Asif Nazrul in the chair. The home and law ministries will publish lists of the cases filed between January 6, 2009, and August 5, 2024 and recommended for withdrawal on the official websites. At today's meeting, the committee recommended the withdrawal of an additional 517 cases. With these, the total number of politically motivated cases recommended for withdrawal to 8,832 over the past four months. Dedicated expat hospital to be established soon in Dhaka: Asif Nazrul It was mentioned that on average, at least 50 people were named as accused in each of these cases. As a result, around 5 lakh  leaders and activists from various political parties including the BNP and Jamaat were accused in these cases. Currently, people can directly apply for the withdrawal of these cases through the Solicitor Sub-Division of the Ministry of Law or via email at solicitor.lawjusticediv.gov.bd. In cases where obtaining a certified copy of the case documents or charge sheets is difficult, applicants are allowed to submit certified photocopies of these documents along with their application for case withdrawal as per the committee's decision.