'Law formulated not to serve individual’s interest'

Law Minister Anisul Huq today denied BNP’s allegation of formulating law to ensure security of a family and some Awami League individuals and said his government enacts law for the overall welfare of the countrymen.

“Sheikh Hasina-led government formulates law to ensure overall welfare of the countrymen instead of any individual,” Anisul said while addressing a function at the Institute of Engineers’ Bangladesh in Dhaka this afternoon.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir yesterday alleged that the government has formulated the draft of the 'Bangladesh Citizenship Bill, 2016 only to ensure the security of a family and some Awami League individuals.

Claiming that the incumbent government always accepts constructive criticism from any quarters, the law minister said his government will not feel any hesitation to accept, if there is any, constructive criticism from any political parties including BNP on the issue.

He said Bangladeshi expatriates in different countries will sit across the table to talk on the draft Citizenship Bill, 2016 in Dhaka on February 9.

“If necessary, we will bring change in the draft Citizenship Bill after hearing their (expatriates) recommendation,” Anisul said.

The cabinet gave the final approval to the draft of the 'Bangladesh Citizenship Bill, 2016' on February 1 last year, expanding the existing scope of having dual citizenship by expatriate Bangladeshis.