No political shelter for criminals: Law Minister

Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Md. Asaduzzaman today declared that individuals involved in crimes such as rape, along with those who shelter or collaborate with them, will not be spared.

He mentioned that such offenders will face the full force of the law, and no political identity or shelter will protect them. 

The minister made these remarks while addressing an exchange of views meeting with Members of Parliament from Jhenaidah and government officials at the Deputy Commissioner's Office conference room this morning.

Highlighting the significance of the July Mass Uprising, he noted that the national election was achieved at the cost of the martyrs' fresh blood, leading to the formation of the present government. 

He stressed the government will not tolerate any action that dishonors the July martyrs or causes pain to their memory.

The meeting was attended by newly-elected lawmaker of Jhenaidah-2 Ali Azam Md. Abubakar, MP of Jhenaidah-3 Professor Matiar Rahman, MP of Jhenaidah-4 Maulana Abu Taleb, Deputy Commissioner Md. Abdullah Al Masud, Superintendent of Police Mahfuz Afzal, and other district-level government officials.

In response to journalists' questions after the meeting, the law minister said that during the interim government, 133 ordinances were constitutionally issued. In the first session of the upcoming parliament, every ordinance of the interim government will be presented as a bill.

He also said that anyone providing shelter to those involved in the sensational Narsingdi rape case will be uprooted completely. 

Mentioning that during the sensational Achiya murder case in Magura, he said that he had served as Attorney General and the trial was completed swiftly. 

The murder cases in Narsingdi and child Tabassum in Jhenaidah will also be considered on the highest priority, he added.

Issuing directives for strict administrative action to curb corruption, Asaduzzaman said that the government has declared zero tolerance against corruption. 

Those involved in institutional corruption will not only lose their jobs but will also face departmental cases as well as corruption cases through the Anti-Corruption Commission, he warned. 

"Every allocated Taka for development and infrastructure for the people will be accounted for meticulously," he said, adding that anyone taking even a single penny as commission or engaging in corruption will face strict action.

Regarding development in roads and infrastructure, the minister said that there will be no compromise on the quality of development work. 

Any contractor involved in irregularities, corruption, or commission trading in road or government infrastructure projects will have their license legally revoked, he said. 

He continued that strict measures will also ensure that such offenders never get any government contract in the country again.

Highlighting joint efforts with opposition to eliminate commission trading and extortion, Asaduzzaman said that anyone attempting extortion, commission trading, intimidation, or political maneuvering in Jhenaidah from today onwards will face maximum action. 

Citizens are encouraged to report such incidents to him, he said, urging all to work together to eradicate corruption, terrorism, extortion, and drugs.

The law minister emphasized that the government will not tolerate disrespect to the martyrs and injured of the July Mass Uprising. 

Those who committed any crime during the uprising will face punishment for their actions, he said, adding, "No one involved in fascism or genocide will be allowed to evade justice through legal loopholes."