16,429 ‘unnamed cases’ from AL era to be withdrawn

The government has initiated the process of withdrawing 16,429 ‘unnamed cases’ filed during the Awami League regime, with 1,214 cases set to be dismissed within the next week, Law Adviser Asif Nazrul announced on Tuesday (February 11).  

Speaking at a press briefing at the Bangladesh Secretariat, Asif explained that the cases are being reviewed to determine whether they were filed as genuine political harassment or through irregularities and manipulation. "We cannot withdraw a murder case against an individual. Each case must be carefully examined to confirm its nature," he said.  

Of the 16,429 cases, 1,214 are being prioritised for withdrawal, with the gazette notification for 53 cases expected to be published within a day or two. 

Asif credited the Ministry of Home Affairs for its cooperation in the process, stating, "We are working closely with them on many cases."  

In response to journalists' questions, Asif clarified that "unnamed cases" refer to those filed during the Awami League period with the intent of oppression. He also highlighted efforts to withdraw cases related to cybersecurity and speech offenses.  

"During the previous government, 396 cases were filed for speech offenses. The Law Ministry has already withdrawn 332 cases through public prosecutors, and the remaining 61 cases will be resolved within the next 3-4 working days. 

By the end of February, there will be no more speech offense cases in the Cyber Security Court," he said. However, three cases cannot be withdrawn as they are suspended under High Court orders.  

Amendment to Power of Attorney Rules 

Asif also addressed long-standing complaints from expatriates regarding the 2015 Power of Attorney Rules, which required individuals to possess a Bangladeshi passport and visit an embassy to issue a power of attorney. This posed challenges for expatriates, especially their children who do not hold Bangladeshi passports.  

To resolve this, the government has amended the rules. "Expatriates can now execute a power of attorney without a Bangladeshi passport. If they have a no-visa-required sticker, a birth certificate, or a national identity card, they can complete the process from abroad. This will significantly ease the suffering of our expatriate community," Asif explained.