Law Minister says: Immediate past CG won’t require JS ratification

Minister for Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Barrister Shafique Ahmed said that only the essential ordinances would be enacted as laws in the parliamentary sessions that kicks-off from today.

He said this while addressing reporters at a function styled “The 9th Parliament: Expectation of the People” arranged by Dhaka Reporters’ Unity (DRU) as part of its regular programme ‘Meet the Reporters’.

Referring to the 122 ordinances that were promulgated by the President during the caretaker government, Barrister Shafique said these would be raised in the first session of the new parliament tomorrow (Sunday). “Parliament will decide which Ordinances will be enacted as laws considering the public welfare”, he added.

He admitted that some ordinances were promulgated in the last two years without any discussion with the stakeholders. Some of these were unnecessary too.

Law Minister, however, said some ordinances concerning elections; finance and budget will have to be made laws through parliamentary debates.

In response to a question Barrister Shafique said the immediate past caretaker government would not require ratification by parliament for failing to hold general election within 90 days and staying in power nearly two years following a High Court judgment upon a writ petition.

“The High Court examined pros and cons of the 90-day limitation envisaged in the Constitution and gave the decision, and the High Court decision is law,” the Law Minister told a correspondent.

About the scrapping of much talked about Special Powers Act of 1974, which is considered a black law, Law Minister said it was a question of policy decision of the government.

Asked about appointment of judges in the High Court and the Appellate Division, Barriser Shafique admitted that both the divisions of the Supreme Court lack required number of judges.

“I am aware of the problem. Many cases are piled up for long. We will appoint honest and efficient judges in vacant posts as quickly as possible to redress the sufferings of the justice seekers,” he said.

Asked about the holding trial of 1971 war criminals – an election pledge of Awami League, the Law Minister said, “I’ve no information till now. I think the government will be active about it.”

He said a democratic and just society could never endorse use of religion in political activities.

“I firmly believe that the common people of the country always dislike the religious traders, who always tried to mislead them and frustrate the nation,” he said replying to a question on banning the religion based parties. “We will put the issue before parliament,” he added.

Barrister Shafique Ahmed called upon the journalists to work as watchdog on the performances of the government and create public opinion so that it remains alert about the hopes and aspirations of the people.

“I firmly believe that the government will act considering the peoples’ desire and all steps should be taken after discussion in parliament,” he added.

Source: The New Nation