Most cases to suppress mass uprising withdrawn: Asif Nazrul

Law Adviser Asif Nazrul today said most cases filed to suppress the student-led mass movement between July 1 and August 5 have been withdrawn.

He made the statement at a press conference titled "100 Days of Interim Government: A Report from the Ministry of Law" held at the Secretariat.

Addressing the repeal of the Cyber Security Act, 2023, Asif Nazrul said the government is in the final stages of drafting a new Cyber Security Ordinance, 2024, in collaboration with the Information and Communication Technology Department. He assured that all cases filed under the repealed law, particularly those related to speech offenses, will be withdrawn. However, cases involving hacking and other cybercrimes will continue to be prosecuted.

He said the Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology played a key role in the repeal process, and consultation with relevant stakeholders has been held to ensure a balanced approach.

When questioned about actions against individuals involved in the so-called "case business," Asif Nazrul affirmed that legal measures would be taken against them.

Responding to a query on potential amendments to the International Crimes Tribunal Act, he said, "Wait for a couple of days. The amendment requires approval by the Advisory Council. While the proposed changes do not directly empower the courts, they would enable the courts to recommend punitive actions to the authorities concerned, if deemed necessary."

The law adviser also criticised Sheikh Hasina for fleeing the country during a critical time, alleging that she sent her family abroad three days prior to her own departure, leaving her party members behind. "Her party members should question her actions," he said.