Thrust on ensuring rule of law, protecting sanctity of constitution

Speakers at a roundtable discussion at National Press Club on Tuesday urged the authority to ensure rule of law in the country and properly act upon the judgments of higher court to protect the sanctity of constitution, reports UNB.

Shushanar Janniya Nagorik (Shujon) arranged the discussion on 'Rule of Law; Bangladesh Perspective'.

Justice Mohammad Abdul Matin presented the keynote at the discussion where he alleged that different rules of higher court are not being obeyed properly.

He mentioned about the existence of Article 70 and Article 116A in the constitution to say that the country is running by the government order instead of rule of law.

Dr Badiul Alam Majumdar, president of Shujon, said the sudden resignation of former Chief Justice Surendra Kumar Sinha and allegation of corruption against him need proper investigation and it should be disclosed before public otherwise the highest court will be questioned.

Dr Kamal Hossain, president of Gono Forum, said there are some problems in the coordination between the judiciary and the executive but still people should not lose hopes and lose their trust form rule of law.

He also asked the people to raise their voice if they feel the rule of law is fading.

Barrister Amir-ul Islam, Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Chief Executive of Bangladesh Environmental Lawyers Association (BELA), and Syed Abul Maksud also addressed, among others, the programme chaired by Kazi Ebadul Haque, a former justice and a Shujon executive member.