We cannot deny our failures: law adviser

Published : Monday, 24 February, 2025 at 7:36 PM Count : 530

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Adviser to the Ministry of Law, Justice, and Parliamentary Affairs, Asif Nazrul, today acknowledged the government's shortcomings in maintaining law and order but assured that efforts were ongoing to address the issues.

He made the remarks in a press briefing after holding a conference at the Deputy Commissioner's (DC) office in Rajshahi.

Inspector General of Police (IGP) Baharul Alam and Chief Prosecutor of the International Crimes Tribunal Mohammad Tajul Islam were also present at the conference. High ranking officials including the Superintendent of Police (SP), Deputy Commissioner (DC), and Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Rajshahi were also present.

Emphasising the challenges in law enforcement, Asif Nazrul said, "Those against whom there is clear evidence must be brought under due legal action. At the same time, no one should be subjected to undue harassment. All law enforcement agencies must work together to ensure justice."

Addressing the fluctuating state of law and order, he said, "In the past six months, sometimes the situation was good, sometimes it turned extremely bad. Some members of fascist groups have fled, while others remain in the country with access to vast financial resources. When money is involved, ill intentions are bound to emerge.

"We cannot deny our failures. There is no way to overlook them. However, we are making relentless efforts to ease the situation. Our commitment is unwavering. Our home adviser even held a press conference late last night. Failure does not stop us. We constantly look for new ways to improve. Before taking charge of the ministry, I said I would dedicate myself to work, and now, I am working tirelessly, day and night," he added.

IGP Baharul Alam said, "We are investigating incidents of mugging, rape, and other crimes. A different strategy is being adopted for Dhaka city. We will be able to reduce crime. We are observing the government's commitments and working accordingly to bring everything under control."

After the conference, the delegation attended a workshop at the Primary Teachers Training Institute (PTI) on enforcing law according to the country's current situation. The event, organised by the Ministry of Home Affairs, was presided over by the Senior Secretary of the Home Ministry Nasimul Gani, with Asif Nazrul as the chief guest.

Meanwhile, a group of students from Rajshahi gathered in front of PTI, hoping to voice their concerns to the law adviser regarding rising crime rates. However, they claimed he did not engage with them.

"We wanted to talk to him about how rapists are getting bail and being released, how crimes like extortion, mugging, and robbery are increasing," said Maymun Khatun Mohima, a student of New Government Degree College. "But he ignored us and walked away. We wanted to demand our right to security."

Latifur Rahman, another student of the same institution, announced plans for protests, saying, "If the situation does not improve within 24 hours, we will call for demonstrations demanding the resignation of the law adviser."

FP/MI