Government Moves to Withdraw Absentee Cases from Parliamentary Elections
The government has taken steps to withdraw numerous political and absentee cases filed over the past 15 years under the Awami League administration, particularly those linked to the parliamentary elections of 2014, 2018, and 2024. These cases, often filed against political leaders and activists before and after elections, are now under review.
The Ministry of Law, Justice, and Parliamentary Affairs has sent letters to public prosecutors across districts and metropolitan cities, requesting a comprehensive list of these cases. The letters ask for detailed information about each case’s current status, including whether it’s still under investigation, and the identity of the plaintiffs involved.
According to a letter sent on December 2 from the Ministry’s Solicitors Division, cases filed between January 6, 2009, and August 4, 2024, especially those linked to the 2014, 2018, and 2024 national elections, are categorized as “absentee cases.” These cases are said to have been filed primarily to harass political figures and activists, but due to incomplete or inaccurate information, corrective action had been delayed.
Sana Md. Mahruf Hossain, Deputy Solicitor of the Ministry, explained that a list of these cases is being compiled and sent from all over the country via email. The emails will be reviewed, and a final, comprehensive list will be prepared soon.
Following political changes, the interim government took office and decided to address the issue of political cases by withdrawing those that were deemed unjust. Last September, the Ministry of Home Affairs established two committees—one at the district level and one at the ministry level—to oversee the process. District-level committees have been instructed to apply to the district magistrates by December 31 to request the withdrawal of these cases. Once the district committees submit their recommendations, the ministry-level committee will review the cases and finalize a list of cases to be officially withdrawn.
Legal experts note that in recent years, the legal system has often been misused to file politically motivated cases. They argue that this initiative is a positive step toward correcting any potential miscarriages of justice, promoting transparency, accountability, and fairness. However, experts also warn that if transparency and impartiality aren’t guaranteed, genuine cases might be dismissed under the guise of political harassment, potentially benefiting those with political power. Therefore, ensuring a transparent and impartial process is critical, and the role of public prosecutors will be vital in safeguarding against any abuse of power.
If this process is carried out with integrity, it could offer protection against the misuse of the legal system, fostering a better balance between political actions and the rule of law.
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