Law Minister Md Asaduzzaman has said that the government will seek the maximum punishment for the accused in the rape and murder case of child Ramisa Akhter, while also indicating that constitutional reforms under the proposed "July Charter" will proceed once opposition nominees are confirmed.
He made the remarks as chief guest at a football and financial assistance cheque distribution ceremony at the Shailkupa Upazila Parishad Auditorium in Jhenaidah on Sunday.
The Law Minister said, "Our expectation is that the maximum sentence will be ensured for the accused based on the information and evidence we have."
Referring to constitutional reform discussions, he said the opposition has been asked to nominate five members for a proposed 17 member Constitution Amendment Committee. "Before the last session of parliament, we told the opposition party that we want to form a 17 member constitution amendment committee. We have kept seven members from our side and five independent representatives. We have asked the opposition to nominate five more. They said they will inform us in the next session. Once we get them, we will follow the path of the July Charter to amend the constitution," he said.
He added that the government is currently awaiting the opposition's response.
Addressing broader policy issues, the minister said drug abuse poses a serious threat to society and the state, adding that all stakeholders must remain united to confront it. He also outlined government initiatives, including plans to issue family cards to four crore families, expand farmers' cards nationwide in phases, and introduce allowances for mosque imams and temple priests.
Responding to questions from journalists, Md Asaduzzaman said the government is reviewing several ordinances, including those previously cancelled under the interim administration. "No, it is because we did not present it. We said earlier that we are examining it further. We have already held consultations on two laws," he said, referring to the Human Rights Commission Act and the Disappearance Commission Act.
He added, "We have received many recommendations and are examining them. If possible, we will bring them forward as soon as possible."
On the Ramisa case, the minister expressed confidence that the court would deliver justice, noting that the charge sheet was filed within a week as promised. "Alhamdulillah, we were able to file the charge sheet within a week. The rest is the court's job, we will cooperate with the court," he said.
He further stated that the case has been prioritised for hearing once the court reopens. "Considering the importance of this case, it has been kept for hearing on the first day. This is the jurisdiction of the court. We can only pray to the court," he said, adding, "The rest will be done by the court as it deems in the interest of justice. However, considering the evidence and the confessional statement of the accused, I think the court will consider the maximum punishment."
