State must ensure no one loses life thru farce in trial's name: NCP's Akhtar

The state must ensure that no one else loses life through a farce in the name of justice, said Akhtar Hossain, member secretary of the National Citizen Party (NCP), today.

"We have seen the judicial system being politicised in the past. Even in the Appellate Division's verdict acquitting a Jamaat-e-Islami leader, it was clearly stated that there had been a miscarriage of justice," the NCP leader said while speaking at a discussion at the National Press Club in Dhaka.

The event titled "Democratic Transformation: Fundamental Reforms and Elections" was organised by the NCP's Reform Coordination Committee.

Referring to the release of former Jamaat leader ATM Azharul Islam, Akhtar said, "A person was saved from political vengeance through judicial intervention. Jamaat must also offer a clear explanation regarding its historical role."

Commenting on the ongoing political discourse, he said, "There should not be a confrontation between reforms and elections. Holding elections without meaningful reforms will only open the door for the return of autocracy."

He added that the current constitutional structure gives such sweeping powers to the prime minister that it allows for autocratic rule under the guise of legality. "To ensure a balance of power, there is no alternative to fundamental reforms."

Akhtar also argued that good intentions alone are not enough to protect democracy and human rights under the current legal and constitutional framework.

"If appointments to constitutional bodies are made according to the will of those in power, the appointees will naturally serve political interests," he said.

Dismissing the notion that reform responsibilities lie solely with the elected government, Akhtar warned, "The reform process should not be pushed into uncertainty. If any party violates the July Charter after assuming power, the people will reject them."