Safeguard right to justice during emergency, Jamaat says after consensus talks

The Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has called for ensuring the right to justice remains protected even during the imposition of emergency rule in the country.

Speaking to reporters, after the 11th day of the second phase of talks between the National Consensus Commission and political parties, at the Foreign Service Academy in the capital's Bailey Road today (10 July), party's Assistant Secretary General Hamidur Rahman Azad said, "The commission has proposed preserving the right to life and dignity during emergencies. We have stressed that the right to justice must also be guaranteed."

He further stated that Jamaat has recommended changes to the process of declaring an emergency. "While the existing law permits the president to declare an emergency based on the prime minister's advice, the commission proposed making this decision through the Cabinet Division."

"We have suggested instead that a parliamentary committee, formed during the first session of Parliament, should be responsible for such decisions."

Regarding the appointment of the chief adviser, Azad noted that the commission has shifted from its earlier proposal and presented a new suggestion.

"We have requested that this fundamental issue be discussed separately another day, as such matters require thorough deliberation and are often guided by prior party decisions," he added.

Consensus on two issues regarding chief justice's appointment: Ali Riaz

On the appointment of the chief justice, the Jamaat leader reiterated their stance, advocating that the most senior judge be appointed.

"Some parties have suggested choosing from among the two senior-most judges, but we have insisted on seniority-based appointment," he said.