United News of Bangladesh

Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Md Asaduzzaman on Sunday said the government restored the confidence of Ramisa's father in the country's justice system through the trial of the eight-year-old girl’s  rape and murder case. “Today, Ramisa’s father said that he is satisfied with this trial. We have been able to give him back his trust,” he said. The Law Minister made the remarks in a statement delivered under the Rule 300 in Parliament in the afternoon, hours after a Dhaka tribunal sentenced prime accused Sohel Rana and his wife Swapna Khatun to death in the case filed over the rape and murder of Ramisa Akter in the city’s Pallabi area. Referring to the despair of Ramisa’s father expressed over the country’s judiciary immediate after the murder of his daughter, Asaduzzaman said, ”When journalists sought our stance over the remark of Ramisa’s father that he didn’t want justice, I (the minister at that time) told them only answer (from our side) would be to give him back that trust.” He said police arrested the two prime accused within seven hours of the rape and murder of Ramisa, while the government took immediate steps to ensure a speedy investigation and trial. He said the victim's father had initially expressed despair, saying he did not want a trial because he believed justice would not be delivered in such cases in Bangladesh. “We assured him. The Honorable Prime Minister also assured him that we were determined to ensure justice in this case,” the minister said. Asaduzzaman said that after the charge sheet was submitted on May 24, the government noticed that the accused had not engaged any lawyers, which could have been used later to question the fairness of the trial process. In accordance with the law, the state appointed a defence lawyer for the accused on May 24 to ensure due process, he said. The minister said the verdict was delivered on Sunday as scheduled. “We are pleased to inform you (MPs) that the two accused involved in the Ramisa murder case—main accused Sohel and his wife, who assisted him—have been sentenced to death,” he said. Asaduzzaman also said that in Ramisa's case, as well as in several other recent incidents, the government has taken all necessary measures under special monitoring to expedite investigations and judicial proceedings.  

Law Minister Md. Asaduzzaman on Sunday expressed satisfaction over the judgment in the rape and murder case of eight-year-old Ramisa and hoped that it would be upheld by the higher courts. “The government is satisfied with the verdict for now and we hope that the verdict will remain effective even if the case is reviewed by the higher courts,” he said while talking to reporters at Secretariat. The trial process was completed within six working days after going through all required legal procedures, said the minister. Earlier in the day, a Dhaka tribunal sentenced prime accused Sohel Rana and his wife Swapna Khatun to death in a case over the rape and murder Ramisa Akter in the city’s Pallabi area. Judge Masrur Salekin of the Dhaka Metropolitan Children Violence Suppression Tribunal delivered the judgment. The court also fined Sohel Rana Tk 5 lakh and Swapna Khatun Tk 2 lakh. Ramisa was raped and murdered by Sohel, a tenant of a neighbouring flat on the 2nd floor of the building, on May 19. According to the case details, Sohel Rana lured her into his room and later killed her after rape. Ramisa’s decapitated body was found beneath the bed while her severed head was found inside a bucket in the bathroom. The case sparked widespread public outrage, prompting calls for swift justice and stronger measures against violence against children.  

Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Md. Asaduzzaman on Saturday said the government is committed to completing the trial of the Ramisa murder case in the shortest possible time. “We will complete this case as quickly as possible,” he said while speaking as the chief guest at a workshop titled ‘Integrated Initiative, Responsibility and Implementation Strategy in Legal Aid’held at BRAC Centre Auditorium in the capital’s Mohakhali. The workshop was jointly organised by the National Legal Aid Services Organisation (NLASO) and BRAC Social Empowerment and Legal Protection (SELP) Programme. Responding to journalists’ queries on how long the trial might take after submission of the charge sheet, the minister cited past examples. “It took one month to complete the trial after the charge sheet in the Magura Asiya murder case. There is also the example of the 1948 Muluk Chand case, where the trial was completed in a single day,” he said. He added that filing a charge sheet without following legal provisions could create a “fatal injury” for prosecution. “DNA is very important evidence in such cases. When we have the opportunity to conduct DNA testing, we must do it,” he said. The minister said efforts are underway to obtain the DNA report of the Ramisa case within 72 hours, although it usually takes several weeks or months. He added that the matter is among the government’s top priorities. He also noted that government holidays for Eid will begin from May 25. “If we can receive the DNA report before Eid and submit the charge sheet before the holidays, the trial process can begin immediately after Eid,” he said. Expressing the government’s commitment to ensuring speedy justice, he said, “We hope we will be able to meet the expectations of people at home and abroad.” “If we go in the wrong direction, you will criticise us and guide us. We will not be reluctant in this regard,” he added. Responding to a question on rising incidents of child rape, the minister termed it part of social degradation and said law enforcement agencies are working with utmost vigilance. He also stressed strengthening public awareness and building trust in the justice system. He said although death sentences are awarded by trial courts, their implementation requires approval from the higher court. When asked about the recent rape and pregnancy incident involving a madrasa student in Netrokona, the minister said the government is closely monitoring the matter. Officials including Additional Secretary of the Law and Justice Division Khadem Ul Kays and Director General of the National Legal Aid Services Organisation Monjurul Hossain attended the programme, chaired by NLASO DG Monjurul Hossain. Representatives from various human rights organisations, including BLAST, Manusher Jonno Foundation, Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK) and UNDP, also took part in the open discussion. The minister further said the government aims to ensure legal aid services reach grassroots people. “Our goals and objectives are the same,” he said, emphasising collaboration between government and non-government initiatives to support the poor, helpless and marginalised. On anti-discrimination laws, he said, “If there are any discriminatory provisions in laws, we will try to remove them. We want to work in a parallel manner.”

Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Md Asaduzzaman has directed the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner to submit the probe report within one week over the brutal rape and murder of eight-year-old child Ramisa Akter at Pallabi. “The first thing I did after arriving at the office today was call the Police Commissioner and ordered that the investigation report be completed within one week. He agreed with me. I also spoke with the Home Secretary shortly before this,” he told reporters at Secretariat on Thursday. The minister said steps will be taken to complete the trial proceedings of the murder case in the shortest possible time. “The government will do everything possible to ensure the speedy completion of the trial over the murder of the child,” he added. He also said the government aims to set another example through the swift trial of  Ramisa murder case, similar to the trial in the Achiya murder case. The trial over Ramisa’s murder would be conducted under the Women and Children Repression Prevention Tribunal, not under the Speedy Trial Tribunal, said the minister. When asked about Ramisa’s father’s lack of confidence in the judicial system, Asaduzzaman said “What Ramisa’s father said reflects his feelings from his position. I would not say his remarks are baseless. We will take steps to reduce the case backlog in Bangladesh’s judicial system.” About the Achiya case, he said “We did everything within our capacity. We ensured that the charge sheet was submitted within seven days, and the trial was completed within one month. If the trial is conducted any faster than that, questions may arise regarding its fairness.” Noting that there is a legal framework regarding the execution of death sentences, the minister said death references require confirmation from the Supreme Court. The government is giving the highest importance to the trial of Ramisa’s murder, he added. Ramisa, a Class-II student, was slaughtered by a tenant of their next-door flat at Pallabi in the capital on Tuesday. The suspect – Sohel Rana – reportedly lured her into his room when Ramisa left her flat in the morning. Later, he raped the girl and slaughtered her. The girl’s decapitated body was found beneath the bed while her severed head inside a bucket in the bathroom. Locals detained suspect’s wife Swapna Akter, though Sohel managed to escape by cutting through a window grille. He was later arrested in Fatullah of Narayanganj in the evening of the same day. On Wednesday, Sohel gave a statement before a Dhaka court confessing to his guilt.    

Law Minister Md. Asaduzzaman on Monday said the government plans to excavate 20,000 kilometres of rivers, canals and beels in Bangladesh over the next five years under a programme announced by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. “We will not only excavate them but also evict those who have illegally occupied river, canal and beel land,” he told reporters after inaugurating the re-excavation of a three-kilometre canal from Moragachha to Hashimpur in Khoksa Upazila in the afternoon. Responding to a question about whether general people are suffering due to a large number of cases, the minister said the government would hold discussions with the affected parties and the judiciary. “We will try to resolve the problems by taking effective steps in the form of recommendations,” he said. Replying to another question regarding a referendum, the NCP and the July Charter, Asaduzzaman said the National Citizen Party (NCP) has made ‘half-understood comments’. “We will respond to this in parliament. Their allegations are not correct. We, BNP will walk on the path of July light with respect for the July Charter. We are not acting out of emotion alone; we are moving forward with both emotion and law together,” he said. The Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief, under the Disaster Management Department, is implementing  Khoksar Moragachha-Hasimpur Canal re-excavation work under the nationwide river, canal, canal, and stream excavation and re-excavation project. The district administration organised a discussion meeting on the occasion at the Moragachha Government Primary School ground. The minister said that canal and river excavation projects were part of the government’s election manifesto to restore navigability, expand irrigation, boost crop production and improve the environment. He said the initiative would also help strengthen river-based communication and make people more self-reliant. Recalling the role of former president Ziaur Rahman, he said canal excavation during his time contributed to an agricultural revolution that helped the country achieve food self-sufficiency.  

Law Minister Md Asaduzzaman on Saturday said anyone involved in institutional corruption will not only lose their job but also face imprisonment. The minister said the government has declared zero tolerance for corruption and that funds allocated for public will be properly monitored, he said at a meeting with the  members of parliament and government officials at the conference hall of Jhenaidah Deputy Commissioner. “If anyone tries to earn commission illegally, strict action will be taken against them,” he added. Asaduzzaman said there will be no compromise on the quality of development work. “If anyone uses substandard materials in road or infrastructure projects, their license will be canceled. Inform me if anyone tries to make a profit through commissions or extortion. The government and opposition will work together to eliminate corruption, terrorism, extortion, and drugs,” he said. The minister also criticised the quality of road construction from Garaganj Bazar to Shailkupa on the Jhenaidah-Kushtia road, saying the contractor will be blacklisted and face the maximum legal penalty. He said dishonest contractors will not receive future government contracts. The Law Minister said  using substandard materials in infrastructure projects should result in the highest legal action against the contractor. Departments failing in their duties will see disciplinary action against the heads along with complaints to the Anti-Corruption Commission, he added.

Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Anisul Haq on Friday said the government will take initiative to bring back all those from abroad were sentenced by the courts in Bangladesh. He came up with the remarks replying   to a question from reporters whether the government will take strong steps to bring Tarique Rahman back to the country. 14 gold bars worth Tk 1.5 crore recovered from Ctg airport He while talking to journalists at Akhaura railway station in the district on Friday morning. “We will try to strengthen the existing steps that have already been there,” he added. The minister said Dr Yunus was sentenced following the provisions of the law. Mother, minor son found dead in Pabna "As far as I have seen the documents of this case, I can say that the trial was held according to law. I will say nothing more," he said. Regarding BNP joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi's comment on education,  Anisul Haque said that it is completely baseless. African national arrested with 200 grams cocaine from Uttara hotel in Dhaka He said that the labour  act would be passed in the next parliament session. Earlier this morning,  Anisul Haque went to Akhaura for a 2-day visit to attend various functions including a public reception by Awami League.

Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Anisul Huq on Thursday said that those who are saying that the number of parliamentarians is now 648 are misinterpreting the constitution. “They are making such comments to create confusion in the public mind intentionally for political reasons. Or they don’t have enough knowledge about articles 56, 123 and 148 of the constitution,” he said. Brick Kiln Tracker' to be used to detect polluting brick kilns: Minister The minister came up with observations while replying to journalists at his secretariat on Thursday. “As the tenure of the 11th national parliamensaidt will end on January 29, members of that parliament will enjoy state benefits till that date. Though the lawmakers, who became members of parliament through the 12th parliamentary election, have already taken oath, they would get state benefits after assuming their offices at the parliament,” he added. Environment Minister stops burning wastes at Osmani Udyan “The newly elected MPs would get state benefits from January 30," the minister said. The tenure of the current parliamentarians would expire after the sitting of the new parliament, he said. Bangladesh, India to work jointly to ensure cyber security: Palak

Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Anisul Huq has called for swift justice delivery to alleviate the sufferings and distress of the people. He conveyed this message when female deputy attorney generals (DAGs) and assistant attorney generals (AAGs) met him at his office on Wednesday afternoon to congratulate him for serving for the third consecutive term as law minister. Secretary to the Law and Justice Division, Golam Sarwar, was also present on the occasion. Hasina’s return as PM was needed, says ADB’s country director Referring to the fast track of many cases to reduce the backlog of cases, the minister told the DAGs and the AAGs that many writ petitions are filed in the High Court. These “intimations” have to be done quickly. He said that the ministry seeking “stay” in the High Court can give instructions through the Solicitor's Office to vacate it. If it is processed a little faster and the information is given to the Ministry of Law, then it will be possible to work quickly on disposal. ADB President to PM Hasina: 'Under your leadership in last 15 years, Bangladesh made extraordinary progress in all areas of development' Highlighting various steps of the government to ensure justice, Anisul said the National Legal Aid Services Organisation was also established by the government of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to ensure justice. She enacted the Legal Aid Act in 2000 and established the National Legal Aid Agency under this Act, the minister said. When the BNP came to power in 2001, the activities of this organisation came to a standstill. When Sheikh Hasina formed her government again in 2009, this organisation was activated, and in the last 5–7 years it has been under a system. A legal aid office has also been set up in the Supreme Court premises, added the minister. Effective steps coming to control air pollution : Saber Hossain He said that the Supreme Court Bar Association's tireless efforts and leadership to implement the ideology of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and the spirit of the Liberation War had a significant impact on public opinion in the last election.

Law Minister Anisul Huq bagged the Brahmanbaria-4 seat for the third time consecutively in the 12th national election held on Sunday. Anisul bagged 2,20,667 votes while his nearest rival, Shaheen Khan from the National People’s Party secured 6,586 votes. Nat'l Election: Hasan Mahmud wins for 4th time Annisul Huq was also elected a member of the Jatiya Sangsad in the 2014 and 2018 elections with the ‘boat’ symbol. The voter turnout in the constituency was 58.13 percent. Independent candidates Azad, Nixon win Faridpur-3, 4 The constituency has a total of 118 polling centres. Of these, 74 centers are in Kasba upazila and 44 centers in Akhaura upazila. Ferdous hits clean sweep in Dhaka-10 as debutant candidate from AL The law minister's father Sirajul Haque, a renowned lawyer of the subcontinent and a member of the Constituent Assembly and the constitution drafting committee, was also a member of parliament from this constituency.