Record reforms achieved in short time: Asif Nazrul

Despite deluge of criticism and ridicule over reforms, Law Adviser Dr. Asif Nazrul on Sunday said that such a large number of reforms have not been achieved in such a short period before. 

"Claiming that no reforms have taken place is incorrect. A significant amount has been done. If expectations were at 10, we have at least achieved four. Negative narratives around reforms often act as a stimulus for certain individuals, generating additional views," he said while speaking at a policy dialogue titled "Judicial Independence and the Rule of Law" organised by the Centre for Governance Studies (CGS) at the CIRDAP auditorium in the capital.

Speaking at the dialogue moderated by CGS President Zillur Rahman, the Adviser said that substantial reforms were carried out during the tenure of the interim government.  "Our ministry has undergone 100 per cent reform. We have conducted consultations at a level that did not even occur during the drafting of the 1972 Constitution," he said. He further added that due to the reforms, individuals chanting slogans such as 'Bangladesh Zindabad' or 'Joy Bangla' would no longer be eligible to become judges in the future. "Some reforms are also required in the higher judiciary, and those reforms must come from within the higher judiciary itself," he said.

The Law Adviser noted that all necessary laws to ensure judicial independence have been enacted. However, he cautioned that establishing the rule of law would require another five to ten years.