Law, Justice, and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Md Asaduzzaman on Saturday said extrajudicial killings in Bangladesh have "almost come down to zero" under the present government.
"We can say that over the past few months under the present government, extrajudicial killings have almost come down to zero. As for enforced disappearances, whenever a reported case has come to our notice, we have taken it very seriously. I have internally instructed officials to maintain zero tolerance towards such incidents," he said.
The minister made the remarks while addressing a consultation meeting on "Human Rights Violations and Victims' Access to Justice" as the chief guest at the CIRDAP auditorium in the capital.
He stressed the need for a transparent process in appointing judges, saying an independent and credible judiciary can only be ensured if competent judges are appointed through such a process.
"The judiciary becomes weakened when judges are unable to stand firm and uphold their independence. Only when judges of integrity and competence are appointed can we have the independent and transparent judiciary that people expect," he added.
Referring to politically motivated cases, Asaduzzaman said the government has been working to withdraw such cases and that the process has now reached its final stage.
He said the government is trying to break away from the cycle of political vindictiveness.
"Under the leadership of our Prime Minister, we believe we will gradually move forward with all necessary reforms. But we need a little more time," the minister said.
Responding to a question from journalists after the consultation meeting, the law minister said a new president must be elected within 90 days under Article 123(2) of the Constitution.
"Yesterday was July 24. We have time until October 24. Therefore, no situation has arisen that warrants convening a special session of Parliament," he said.
He added that, constitutionally, the next session of Parliament is due within 60 days from July 15.
"We hope the matter will be resolved during that session," he said.
The consultation meeting was chaired by Odhikar President Dr Tasneem Siddiqui, while Odhikar Director ASM Nasir Uddin Elan delivered the welcome address.
Former National Human Rights Commission Chairman Justice Moinul Islam Chowdhury, International Crimes Tribunal Chief Prosecutor Md Aminul Islam, and Amar Desh Editor Dr Mahmudur Rahman also addressed the program as special guests.
