Draft law on enforced disappearances to be tabled in next parliament session: Asaduzzaman

Highlights:

• Govt aims to table draft law on enforced disappearances in next parliamentary session.
• Draft finalised after consultations, now awaiting cabinet approval.
• Law minister says mediation could help reduce the 45 lakh-case backlog.

The government has finalised the draft law on enforced disappearances and plans to place it before parliament in its next session after cabinet approval, Law Minister Md Asaduzzaman said today (1 August).

"The required inter-ministerial scrutiny, consultations with stakeholders and the meeting of the secretaries' committee have already been completed. We are working to table the draft law in the next session of parliament," he told reporters after the closing ceremony of a two-day mediation training programme at the capital's Hotel InterContinental.

He also said the government had announced during the first session of the 13th parliament that the bill would be placed after further review and refinement.

Responding to a question about ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina's political activities while she is in India, the law minister said the matter would be considered by the Indian authorities under their own laws and responsibilities.

"The Bangladesh government is regularly reviewing the available legal options and will take appropriate decisions at the appropriate time," he added.

Asked about the proposed cyber law, the minister said the government was working on a modern and balanced legal framework that would protect constitutionally guaranteed freedom of expression while effectively addressing defamation, the spread of false information and cybercrime, including offences involving artificial intelligence and other technologies.

He also said the government did not want to rush the legislation and would finalise it only after further scrutiny and consultations with stakeholders.

Asked whether the Awami League could face legal action as a political party, he replied, "Time will answer that."

'Mediation can help reduce the 45 lakh-case backlog'

Earlier, at the closing ceremony, the law minister said mediation could help reduce the backlog of around 45 lakh pending cases by reducing time and costs.

"Mediation benefits both parties. In contrast, lengthy court proceedings consume years, money and effort while causing mental stress and even physical suffering," he said, adding that most disputes -- except murder and other cognisable offences -- should be resolved through mediation.

The minister also announced that one male and one female mediator demonstrating the best performance under the project would receive advanced training in Japan.