Intellectual graft graver than financial graft 

Law Minister Md Asaduzzaman called for greater accountability and intellectual integrity within the judiciary, defended the government's efforts to bring former prime minister Sheikh Hasina back from India through due legal process and warned that the prolonged Rohingya crisis is mounting pressure on Bangladesh's economy, national security and social stability.

Speaking as the chief guest at the inauguration of a three-day training workshop on ‘Integrity in Judicial Proceedings (Judicial Honesty)’, organised by Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Bangladesh at a hotel in Tejgaon, Asaduzzaman said that intellectual corruption has done more harm to the judiciary of Bangladesh than financial corruption.

He maintained that judicial honesty was not merely an optional virtue but a professional obligation. Judges must discharge their responsibilities with integrity, transparency and impartiality to preserve the dignity of the institution.

While acknowledging allegations of financial corruption involving individuals within the judiciary, he pointed to the government's and the Chief Justice's zero-tolerance policy. However, he said that the working conditions and contributions of judges, particularly those serving in remote areas, also be recognised.

“Many have joined the judiciary based on their merit and competence. It is crucial to recognise their contributions and ensure they are provided with necessary facilities, including appropriate remuneration, housing and social status,” he observed.

He noted that some judges continued to perform their duties in remote areas without government-provided accommodation, sometimes paying rent from their own pockets. Their professional commitment and integrity deserved greater recognition.

On judicial independence, Asaduzzaman reiterated the government's commitment to preventing executive interference in judicial functions. He identified the establishment of a separate Supreme Court secretariat and institutional reforms as important priorities, adding that these issues would receive due consideration in any constitutional amendment initiative.

Calling for an objective assessment of the judiciary's past performance, he referred to questions surrounding its role during periods of enforced disappearances and human rights violations.

“Past judicial decisions that have hindered the nation's democratic progress or harmed the public interest must be reviewed with complete objectivity,” he remarked, stressing that no individual or institution should be allowed to abuse power at the expense of citizens' constitutional and fundamental rights.

Responding to journalists' questions about Sheikh Hasina's return from India, the minister maintained that the government was pursuing the matter through established legal channels.

“We are taking all necessary legal steps concerning Sheikh Hasina through due process. The matter will be handled in accordance with the law. When we take action, it will not be driven by emotion; it is simply a matter of applying the law,” he told reporters.

Asked whether Bangladesh would pursue legal proceedings in Indian courts to secure her return, he replied that the matter rested with the Indian government, as Dhaka had already submitted an extradition request under the bilateral treaty.

“If they hand her over to us, we will proceed according to due legal process,” he added.

Responding to India's description of Hasina as a state guest, Asaduzzaman maintained that Bangladesh considered her a convicted offender following her trial before the International Crimes Tribunal.

“To us, she is a criminal-someone convicted by our tribunal. That is how we identify her. It does not matter what they say. She was tried in an open court within my country,” he asserted.

On the Rohingya crisis, the minister described Bangladesh's prolonged role as a host country as an increasing burden on its limited economic resources. The country is sheltering approximately 1.2 million Rohingya, while between 82 and 90 children are born in the camps every day.

He warned that the demographic, economic and social consequences would intensify if the crisis remained unresolved.

However, he maintained that repatriation alone could not provide a lasting solution unless Myanmar guaranteed the Rohingyas' citizenship, security, education and fundamental human rights.

He also disclosed that a national committee had been formed to formulate policies and review strategies for addressing the crisis, taking into account humanitarian obligations, Bangladesh's economic capacity and national security concerns.

Referring to the killings during the 1971 Liberation War and the July-August 2024 mass uprising, Asaduzzaman called for equal commitment to accountability and justice, irrespective of the historical or political circumstances.

He recalled several Liberation War martyrs, including Zafar, Jaynal, Dipali Saha, Kanchan, Rafun, Basunia, Jihad and Dr Milon. He also mentioned that more than 1,400 people, including Abu Sayed, Mugdho and Anas, were killed during the July Uprising, while around 300 others suffered permanent disabilities.

The minister urged society to cultivate a culture in which those responsible for killings were held accountable.

UNDP Bangladesh Senior Adviser on Rule of Law, Justice and Human Rights Romana Schweiger attended the programme as a special guest, while TIB Executive Director Dr Iftekharuzzaman moderated the session.