Judges enjoy complete independence in judicial functions: Law minister

Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Md Asaduzzaman today (26 May) said judges in Bangladesh enjoy full independence in performing their judicial functions.
  
"Judges in Bangladesh can work more independently than in many other countries. We are facing a backlog of cases due to a shortage of judges. The number of lawyers is also low. Because there are not enough lawyers capable of participating in trials, we are not able to reduce the case backlog," he said while talking to newsmen at Shailkupa Upazila Health Complex.
  
Referring to a comment made by NCP lawmaker Hasnat Abdullah, the minister said the remark amounts to contempt of court.
  
"The judiciary is completely independent. As judges are working freely, leaders of his party are getting bail the day after being arrested," he added.
  
Describing the statements of NCP leaders Hasnat Abdullah and Nasiruddin Patwary as political, Law Minister Md Asaduzzaman said there was no lapse in responsibility on the part of the police in the recent incident involving NCP activists in Jhenaidah.
  
He further said that judges also acted independently in handling the matter.
 
"There is no question of any deficiency in the role of the police. The judiciary has functioned independently in this regard," he said, adding that such comments are being made with political intent to create confusion and achieve vested interests.
  
The minister earlier attended the monthly coordination meeting at Shailkupa Upazila Health Complex. After the meeting, he spoke to journalists.