Ensure access to justice to protect HR

Law Minister Moudud Ahmed speaks at a workshop on 'Access to Justice' in the city yesterday. Strengthening National Capacity to Promote and Protect Human Rights in Bangladesh, a project of the law ministry, organised the workshop. PHOTO: PID

Strengthening National Capacity to Promote and Protect Human Rights in Bangladesh, a project of the law ministry, organised the workshop on 'Access to Justice'.

Law Minister Moudud Ahmed said police and prison reforms and an effective investigation mechanism are prerequisites for protection of human rights.

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The police-people ratio in the country is 1:1300, he said, adding that 20 thousand police personnel would soon be recruited to improve the law and order situation.

The minister said the judiciary has been functioning independently.

"The High Court disposes of about 100 to 150 writ petitions every day and it proves that the judiciary is free and independent."

If any order of the executive infringes on the people's rights, it can be challenged in the Supreme Court, he said.

Responding to a question, the minister said, "Independence and separation of judiciary are two different things. We are working for the separation of judiciary."

"But the existing prosecution system is very weak as it takes a long time to dispose of a case," he said.

Appreciating the speedy tribunals and acid control act, UNDP Resident Representative Jorgen Lissner said progress has been made in some areas to protect human rights.

"Lawmakers should not be lawbreakers," he said, referring to the media reports that some parliament members do not pay telephone bills.

Incidents of human rights abuse are taking place over which the government has no control, Lissner told media persons on the sideline of the workshop.

Project Coordinator Iqbal Chowdhury and joint secretary of the law ministry AA Khan Lodi also spoke.