Jhenaidah Correspondent

Law Minister Md Asaduzzaman on Saturday has said the government will decide whether Bangladesh will join the Mecca Pact, stressing that India will follow its own foreign policy while Bangladesh will pursue its own interests.

“India will act as India, and Bangladesh will act as Bangladesh,” he said.

The minister also said the government is working urgently to enact a stringent law to prevent enforced disappearances and establish a strong human rights commission.

He said a final decision on the matter would be taken at Sunday’s session.

The minister made the remarks while talking to reporters after attending a reception for meritorious students at Jhenaidah Collectorate School and College.

The government is also giving special importance to implementing the e-Judiciary project to make the judicial system more efficient and reduce case backlogs, he said, adding that the government plans to complete the project within a year.

He spoke about the government’s position on various national and local issues.

Asaduzzaman said people killed in different villages of Jhenaidah during alleged atrocities by the Jatiya Rakkhi Bahini between 1972 and 1974 could seek legal recourse if their families wished to do so.

“The doors of justice are open to everyone,” he said, adding that courts could positively consider cases if families of victims of enforced disappearance and killings seek legal assistance.

Responding to questions about the slow progress of the six-lane highway construction in Jhenaidah and the poor condition of roads across the district, the minister said steps would be taken to reduce the severe suffering of commuters caused by the narrow roads and prolonged construction work.

He said he would speak with the relevant ministries and authorities to expedite the six-lane highway project and issue stronger instructions for road repairs.

Asked about the stalled construction of a modern multi-storey super market in Jhenaidah municipality following a writ petition filed by environmental organisation Bangladesh Environmental Lawyers Association (BELA), the minister said he was not fully aware of the matter.

He said steps that could be taken to resolve the legal complications would be examined.

Regarding the government’s zero-tolerance policy against corruption in government offices and courts in Jhenaidah, the minister said action against corrupt officials had already begun.

He urged people to view the ongoing measures positively.

On the law and order situation across the country, Asaduzzaman said the issue was not whether the government was satisfied with the situation, but that it was working relentlessly to maintain normal law and order.

Jhenaidah Deputy Commissioner Noman Hossain presided over the reception.

Prime Minister’s Political Assistant Rashed Khan, District Council Administrator Abdul Majid, Executive Officer Selim Reza, Deputy Director of the Local Government Division Rathindra Nath Ray and Sadar Upazila Nirbahi Officer Dipa Rani Sarkar, among others, attended the programme.