Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Md Asaduzzaman said the government did not interfere in the Bangladesh Bar Council election, adding that bar association elections across the country are underway and the postponement was made at their request.
He made the remarks in parliament today (16 April) while responding to a question from Rangpur-4 MP Akhtar Hossain. The minister said elections can be postponed under the law for reasonable grounds, though Akhtar had cited only part of the provision. He then recited a line of poetry: “You understand everything, I admit, but whatever you do not understand, that is me.”
He added that several associations, including the Dhaka Bar, sought the delay to align with their own election processes. The Dhaka Bar, with over 22,000 members, had its election scheduled for 29 April.
Earlier, Akhtar, also member secretary of the National Citizen Party (NCP), questioned in parliament whether the postponement was due to an energy crisis or an attempt to politicise a democratic institution.
Raising the issue on a point of order, he said the Supreme Court Bar Association election, announced for 19 May to advance the democratic process, was suddenly postponed at midnight.
He said the energy crisis explanation was being applied inconsistently across institutions. The Bar Council election, a statutory process, was also postponed on the same grounds, raising questions.
Citing the Bar Council Order, he said elections are to be held every three years. While provisions exist for delays during disasters or special circumstances, no such emergency currently exists, yet the institution is being run by an ad hoc committee.
He said holding the election on time would have strengthened democracy, but the postponement is hindering that process.
The deputy speaker said the MP’s remarks would be included in the proceedings and advised him to submit a written notice. Akhtar later said he would do so, adding that explanations are also needed from the law minister and the energy minister.
About The Author
