Interim govt recommends 23,865 cases against BNP, Jamaat, Hefazat to be dropped

The interim government has recommended the withdrawal of 23,865 politically motivated harassment cases filed against leaders and activists of various political parties, including the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), Jamaat-e-Islami, Hefazat-e-Islam, and Gono Odhikar Parishad, filed during the tenure of the previous Awami League government. 

As a result, nearly half a million individuals are expected to receive relief from what have been described as politically motivated cases.

Following the recommendation of the two committees, the government formed earlier, the recommendations were made, according to a Law Ministry press release.

The interim government formed two committees on September 22, 2024, to review and facilitate the withdrawal of cases filed between January 6, 2009, and August 5, 2024. One committee was established at the district level under the leadership of District Administrators, while an inter-ministerial committee was formed under the leadership of Law Ministry Adviser Dr. Asif Nazrul.

These committees invited applications from political parties seeking the withdrawal of cases allegedly filed as political harassment during the previous government's tenure. Based on the applications submitted by the affected parties, the inter-ministerial committee held 39 meetings to examine relevant documents and case records.

Following a comprehensive review process, the committee recommended the withdrawal of a total of 23,865 cases. Officials confirmed that the review and withdrawal process is still ongoing, according to the press release.