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Law Ministry to Withdraw 20,000 False Cases in Six Months
Law Adviser Dr Asif Nazrul. File photo
The Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Ministry plans to withdraw at least 20,000 false and politically motivated cases within the next six months, aiming to free thousands from related stigma and hardship.
“We expect to withdraw at least 20,000 false cases in this period,” Law Adviser Dr Asif Nazrul said during a programme in Dhaka on Thursday.
The government has already recommended the withdrawal of about 12,000 such cases, which have affected the lives of nearly 300,000 people, he added.
According to ministry sources, the inter-ministerial committee led by Dr Nazrul has held 16 meetings until May 28, proposing the withdrawal of 11,448 political cases. Work on the matter is ongoing.
The committee has sought cooperation from political parties to help identify cases filed with the intention of harassing opposition leaders and activists during past regimes.
This move follows criticism from various political groups accusing the government of delaying the withdrawal process.
The ministry reviews case lists and supporting documents sent by district committees and the solicitor wing before making recommendations. Political parties are also encouraged to submit their lists for quicker processing.
The BNP submitted around 16,000 cases by January 14, 2025, while Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami sent 1,200 cases by April 27, 2025, according to Dr Nazrul.
The adviser confirmed that the committee has already recommended withdrawing about half of those cases independently.
He criticised two political parties for delaying submissions by not providing essential documents such as FIRs and charge sheets, which hampers the withdrawal process.
Hefazat-e-Islam Bangladesh filed 44 cases on May 20, 2025, and the ministry is moving swiftly to process them, Dr Nazrul said on his verified Facebook page.
The Law Ministry reiterated its call for all political parties to submit complete documentation alongside their case lists to ensure timely disposal.