Law minister vows justice for all killings, cites 4,500 crossfire deaths and 700 disappearances over 16yrs

Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Asaduzzaman has vowed to ensure justice for all killings and injustices in the country, saying more than 4,500 people were killed in crossfire and over 700 were forcibly disappeared during the movement against “fascists” over the past 16 years.

He made the remarks as the chief guest at an orientation programme for newly enrolled lawyers organised by the Dhaka Bar Association today (6 November).

“The path we have travelled was bloody and treacherous,” the minister said, recalling the “struggle” over the past 16 years.

“We want justice for all the killings in this country,” he said.

He also said the families of those who had died still cried to Allah after prayers, wondering when their loved ones would return.

More than 60 lakh activists of different political parties had been implicated in false and fabricated cases, he said, adding that many of them had died as long as 20 years before the alleged incidents.

“We promised the people that we would ensure justice for all injustices in Bangladesh. We are determined to fulfil that promise,” he said.

Addressing the lawyers, Asaduzzaman said the government wanted to lay the foundations for a “Sonar Bangladesh” where the rule of law would be established, and called on lawyers to support the effort.

He said the government wanted to make it mandatory for every company to have a lawyer, just as companies are required to appoint auditors.

He added that he had spoken to the commerce minister about amending the Companies Act.

The minister also urged lawyers to focus on developing their knowledge, skills and professional judgement alongside their careers.

He announced an allocation of Tk50 crore for lawyers’ training this year, saying the government wanted to arrange training for nearly 80,000 lawyers across the country, from Teknaf to Tetulia.

The government wanted to close all the “dark alleys” in the judicial system, the minister said, adding that it was working to establish good governance, a corruption-free judiciary and the rule of law.

Praising the new lawyers, Asaduzzaman said they had qualified for the profession through their own merit, hard work and dedication, not through anyone’s recommendation.

He said he believed they would set an example for the next generation.

Speaking about the number of lawyers in the country, he said 80,000 lawyers were not enough for a population of 20 crore.

He urged the current generation of lawyers to take responsibility for improving the status and standing of the profession.