Staff Correspondent

Justice M A Matin, a retired judge of the Appellate Division of Supreme Court, has said former prime minister Sheikh Hasina had abolished the caretaker government system at her own will through the 15th amendment to the constitution in 2011.

He stated it at a seminar held at CIRDAP Auditorium in the capital on Saturday (October 19) morning. Justice Matin said no major issues related to the national interest were discussed in parliament. "What happened there was only flattery" he said.

He also observed that the judiciary and parliament had lost their authorities. "But, it is very important to free the judiciary. We need an independent judiciary, Election Commission and media," he said.

According to the former justice of the Appellate Division, media was monopolised. Besides, Cyber Security Act was introduced to gag the media.

Justice Matin also laid emphasis on restoring Article 116 to its original form in the constitution to ensure freedom of the judiciary. Besides, Article 70 of the constitution will have be amended.

"If these amendments are done, the judiciary will get its independence back," he said, adding that the amendments needed to be done for the reforms in judiciary.

Taking part in the discussion at the seminar, Daily Star editor Mahfuz Anam said freedom of the mass media was grabbed through the introduction of Cyber Security Act.

Mentioning that the judiciary was not independent during the rule of Awami League government, he said the judiciary was submissive to the regime which was in power. But, it is very urgent to ensure freedom of the judiciary, he asserted.