United News of Bangladesh

Seeking decency in expressing any views and reactions, Law Adviser Dr Asif Nazrul on Tuesday said the recommendations put forward by the Women’s Affairs Reform Commission are merely proposals and cannot be seen as a government decision. “These are proposals from the Commission, not a government decision,” he said when a journalist asked whether the government will surrender to the pressure from Islamic parties to revoke the report. On May 3, Hefazat-e-Islam announced a 12-point declaration, demanding the dissolution of the Women's Affairs Reform Commission and cancellation of its report, which the platform says is "anti-Quran" The Law Adviser said there will always be differences of opinions in the society and different views came in line with other reform commissions’ reports. “In most cases it was expressed in a decent way. But in some cases, it was expressed in a very malicious and attacking way,” he said, adding that they do not expect this. The Law Adviser said no major reform will be implemented without any political consensus and hoped that everyone, while expressing opposing views and reactions, will exercise tolerance and demonstrate decency. Next ADP's size to be lower by Tk 35,000 crore from the current allocation Talking about women’s rights, Ambassador and Head of Delegation of the European Union Michael Miller on Monday said equality between men and women is the core value in Europe and it is a core universal value. He said the work of the Women’s Affairs Reform Commission should be examined extremely carefully and they support all efforts that ensure equality between men and women. “The report and the recommendations of the Women’s Affairs Reform Commission are extremely important. We consider equality between men and women as core value of the EU,” said Ambassador Miller. He said the recommendations of the Commission should be looked at “extremely carefully and closely” by political parties because they would like to see those recommendations translated into actions. “We will contribute towards greater equality.”

Law Adviser Dr Asif Nazrul on Wednesday said the interim government is committed to holding the national election “as early as possible” within the repeatedly mentioned time frame - December 2025 to June 2026. Briefing reporters in front of state guest house Jamuna after a meeting between the BNP delegation and Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus, the adviser said December 2025 to June 2026 does not mean that they will deliberately delay the election or are intentionally trying to delay it to enjoy power. The law adviser said it is not the case at all that they unnecessarily want to stay in power for a month or two months longer. BNP’s meeting with Dr Yunus underway; election by Dec on top of agenda Referring to the Chief Adviser's commitment to the nation, the adviser said there is no way to go beyond June 2026. "We said it categorically, no matter who says what. The chief adviser repeatedly said this to the nation. That’s the position," he said, urging all not to get confused. The adviser said they explained things to the BNP delegation which is always a pro-reform political party. "It seems that BNP is very sincere regarding reforms," Asif Nazrul said. Asif Nazrul said BNP will sit with the National Consensus Commission soon and the July declaration will be issued very soon. “If the July declaration is issued, it might play a role in expediting the election,” he said, adding that they feel that BNP is very sincere about reforms. He said BNP has spoken openly and mentioned that some decisions of the interim government have gone against them. “We have given them examples that many decisions have gone in their favor,” the adviser said. “They (BNP leaders) said the BNP has been oppressed for the last 15 years. We have shown respect. They said that BNP is a reformist party, we have agreed to this,” said the Adviser. Talking to reporters, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said they are not satisfied at all and conveyed to the interim government that if the election is not held by December the country’s political and social situation will deteriorate further and it will be very difficult to bring under control. Asked about BNP’s reaction, Adviser Asif Nazrul said the BNP Secretary General obviously has the right to say this as different individuals perceive things differently from the discussion. “It seemed to us that they were happy and they got answers to the questions they had.” Asked about BNP’s fears due to possible election delay, the Adviser said there is no reason to be feared as the interim government remains cautious. He said the government took BNP’s opinions into their consideration very respectfully. Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam said the meeting lasted for two hours and four advisers – Dr Salehuddin Ahmed, Dr Wahiduddin Mahmud, Adilur Rahman Khan and Dr Asif Nazrul – accompanied the Chief Adviser Dr Yunus at the meeting with the BNP delegation. Chief Adviser’s Deputy Press Secretaries Apurba Jahangir and Abul Kalam Azad Majumder were also present during the media briefing. Elections, democracy matter, says US  

Police have prepared the charge-sheet in the rape and murder case of Magura’s Asiya, said Law Adviser Asif Nazrul on Sunday. “The charge-sheet is currently under review by the office of the Inspector General of Police (IGP) and it is expected to be submitted to the court by today (Sunday),” told a press briefing on current issues at the Secretariat. “We have brought necessary reform under which trial proceedings must be completed within 90 days after a charge sheet is submitted. As we have already received the forensic and DNA reports, and since the evidence matches in the DNA, I believe the trial will be completed even sooner—at a much faster pace. That is my expectation and hope,” said the adviser. Law Ministry recommends withdrawal of 7,184 politically-motivated cases:  Asif Nazrul Eight-year-old girl Asiya died at Combined Military Hospital (CMH) on March 13 after being raped a week ago. The rape and death of the girl sparked widespread protests across the country. University students, including that of Dhaka University, staged demonstrations demanding the death penalty of the accused. Prime accused in Magura child rape case gives confessional statement Police arrested victim's brother-in-law Sojib Sheikh, 20, his brother Ratul Sheikh, 25, and their parents, i.e. her sister's parents-in-law, Hitu Sheikh, 50,and Jabeda Begum, 40, -- in connection with the incident.    

The government is going to amend the Women and Children Repression Prevention Act with a provision that investigations into rape cases must be completed within 15 days and trials to be concluded within 90 days, said Law Adviser Asif Nazrul on Sunday. "We are also cutting the investigation time in rape cases by half from the previous time. Earlier it was 30 days, now we are making it 15 days. We are also halving the trial time. The trial of rape cases must be completed within 90 days,” he said while talking to reporters at the Secretariat. No one can be granted bail on the pretext of not completing the trial within 90 days, he said. Under the current law, bail could be granted if the trial was not held within 180 days but according to the amended law, no bail can be granted in rape cases, he added. HC orders completion of Magura child rape trial in six months However, the interim government is also taking many initiatives, said the adviser. Referring to the rape incident in Magura, Asif said “We strongly condemn this rape incident and are determined to ensure speedy justice in this case.” To ensure the speedy trial, the government has made an amendment in the Women and Children Repression Prevention Act, he said. The eight-year-old girl, a class III student of Jaria Government Primary School, in Sreepur upazila, was raped when she visited her sister’s in-laws’ house at Nijnanduali village in Magura’s Sadar upazila. Mentioning about the recent mob justice, Asif said the government has taken steps to address the incidents of mob justice and moral policing that have taken place in the last few days. The culprits have been arrested and the process of further arrests is underway, he said. Magura rape: Students blocked Dhaka-Khulna highway demanding justice All incidents are under the government's watch, he added. “We want to assure the countrymen that no criminal will go beyond justice,” said the adviser. In order to curb violence against women, the government has been regularly reviewing all recent rape cases for speedy disposal, he said. Besides, a hotline will be introduced to prevent sexual harassment.

Law Adviser Dr. Asif Nazrul has said that the clash between Dhaka University students and students of seven affiliated colleges was unfortunate. He said this after a meeting at the Home Ministry at the Secretariat on Monday. Over 2,500 politically motivated cases likely to be withdrawn: Law Adviser "The incidents of yesterday's clashes are unfortunate. We will try to take more initiatives to avoid them," said the Law Adviser. In response to another question, he said, "We will try to resolve this issue soon." Affiliations of 7 colleges under DU to be revoked: VC  

Law Adviser Dr Asif Nazrul has said that if India refuses to return Sheikh Hasina, it would constitute a violation of the extradition treaty between Bangladesh and India. "We have written a letter for extradition. If India does not extradite Sheikh Hasina, it will be a clear violation of the extradition treaty between Bangladesh and India," he said at a views-exchange meeting with reporters at the Secretariat on Tuesday. In that case, he said, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will take necessary steps to address the matter within the international community.  The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is also making efforts and a red alert has already been issued, he added. Over 2,500 politically motivated cases likely to be withdrawn: Law Adviser "We are doing everything we can. The government will continue all efforts to bring Sheikh Hasina back. If necessary, international support will be sought,” said the law adviser. Referring to the trial of July mass killings, the adviser said a second tribunal will be formed, if needed, to expedite the trial of those involved in the massacre. Election as soon as possible after essential reforms: Law Adviser “There is no conflict between the trial of the July mass killing criminals and the upcoming elections. The trial will proceed at its own pace. We will finish the trial work as quickly as possible. If necessary, international judges will be appointed,” he said.

Law Adviser Asif Nazrul on Wednesday hoped that the trial of the ‘July mass killings’ could be completed before the next national election as the interim government is committed to ensuring justice to brutal, inhuman killings committed during the July-August uprising. “Though this is a matter of the court, we hope and believe that at the speed we are moving forward, Inshallah, we will be able to complete at least the trial proceedings of the trial court before the next election,” he said. Formal talks with political parties over reforms likely in Feb: Rizwana The law adviser was replying to a question over the July mass killings at a press briefing at the Foreign Service Academy after the submission of the reports of four reform commissions. He said the trial proceedings are going very smoothly as there is no negligence from anyone’s part here. “Our promise and commitment to you that our government will definitely try the brutal and inhumane genocide that took place in Bangladesh,” said Asif Nazrul. In the case of the trial of the mass killing, he said the government is mainly giving importance to the International Crime Tribunal (ICT) as the government has a larger involvement with the trials at the ICT.  All-party meeting Thursday to finalise ‘July Declaration’ with consensus: Mahfuj Mentioning that the investigation of the cases continues fast, he said that it is expected that the hearings on the cases could be started in March next. Environment Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Local Government Adviser Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuiyan and Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam also spoke at the event.

Law adviser Asif Nazrul has said they will hold the national election as soon as possible on completion of necessary reforms. “This is not a matter for the Ministry of Law. We will hold the elections as soon as possible after implementing the most essential reforms,” he said responding to a question at a press conference at the Secretariat about the 100-day activities of the Ministry. “Must protect country from militancy and fundamentalism”: Asif Nazrul He stressed the need for ensuring transparency in the electoral process. “We do not want any fake elections like before, nor do we want anyone to use electoral victory as a means to organise fraudulent elections in the future. Beyond this, we have no other interest.”  “Most members of the interim government are keen to return to their respective professions as soon as possible. There has been no mention of a four-year tenure, he added.

Law Adviser Dr Asif Nazrul will look into administrative and financial issues at the Speaker’s office of Jatiya Sangsad, said Chief Adviser’s press secretary Shafiqul Alam on Thursday. The Press Secretary came up with the updates while briefing the media at Foreign Service Academy on the meeting of the Council of Advisers held with Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus in the chair. Alam said the Speaker had financial and administrative duties and now the Speaker’s post is vacant. There is a question of who will do the work related to financial and administrative activities, he said, adding that a decision has been taken that Law Adviser Asif Nazrul will look into it. Deputy Press Secretaries Aburba Jahangir and Mohammad Abul Kalam Azad Majumder also spoke at the briefing.