Govt moves to overhaul colonial, Pakistan-era laws

Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Md Asaduzzaman told parliament yesterday that the government is reviewing colonial and Pakistan-era laws under the Bangladesh Laws (Revision and Declaration) Act, 1973, to repeal obsolete provisions and update the legal framework. 

He also said 23,865 politically motivated cases have been withdrawn so far under an ongoing review process, while 1,855 cases involving killings, enforced disappearances and torture have been filed nationwide, including 799 murder cases. Of these, investigations have been completed in 158 cases, including 48 murder cases, with trials underway, while 1,697 cases remain under investigation.

Alongside legal and case management reforms, the minister said the government is implementing a Tk632.69 crore "Land Registration System Automation" project (July 2025-June 2030) to digitise deed registration under a unified "Registration Resource Planner (RRP)" platform, with online registration expected by 2027-28.

Responding to lawmakers, he said the 1973 Act allows revision, repeal and consolidation of laws, presidential orders and legislative instruments in force since 26 March 1971. The framework is being used to remove obsolete provisions and streamline the legal system through stakeholder consultation, with the Law Commission guiding the process. 

It is identifying outdated laws for phased amendment or repeal while drafting new legislation to address emerging needs. 

On land administration, the minister said the automation project includes system modernisation, software development, system integration, data migration and user training. The initiative is fully government-funded and aims to introduce online-based deed registration nationwide in phases.

On case withdrawals, he said progress is constrained by incomplete documentation, as many records do not clearly identify political affiliation, leaving no comprehensive statistics. 

Based on BNP central office data, 1,42,983 cases described as "false and harassment cases" were filed against its leaders and activists between 2007 and 11 January 2025, while there is no official data on similar cases involving Jamaat leaders and activists during the same period.

He said district-level committees formed on 5 March 2026, led by deputy commissioners, are reviewing FIRs, charge sheets and prosecutor opinions to recommend politically motivated cases for withdrawal. These are then assessed by a six-member central committee, formed on 8 March and headed by the law minister, for final decisions.

On accountability, he said the 1,855 cases filed over killings, enforced disappearances and torture stem from incidents during the previous Awami League government. He noted that the volume of cases has made investigations complex and time-consuming, but police are working to expedite reports while ensuring evidentiary compliance to avoid procedural flaws during trial.

He added that decisions on bail rest solely with the courts, while state counsels are opposing bail petitions in these cases.