Law relaxing punishment for ‘honest’ offender on the anvil

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Law Adviser Mainul Hosein Tuesday said the government is contemplating enactment of a new law relaxing the terms of punishment if any accused person confesses his or her offence before the court, reports UNB.
Talking to reporters, the Adviser said under the planned legislation if any accused person decides to confess his guilt, he or she would be able to talk to the prosecutor concerned for negotiations. In that case, the terms of punishment may be reduced.
"There is such a law in many countries and we're also thinking about it," the Adviser mentioned.
On amendment to a provision of the Emergency Powers Rules 2007, Mainul said the government has relaxed the law regarding corruption cases on humanitarian ground allowing co-accused to seek bail.
Now the co-accused like wife, under-18 child, unmarried daughter, mother, mother-in-law and sister of the principal accused are entitled to seeking bail before the trial court.
In that case, the concerned court or tribunal while considering such an application can exercise its power to grant bail to the co-accused explaining the appropriate reasons in writing.
The Adviser said the government had to enact the harsh law to dispose of corruption cases quickly. However, the government made the amendment with courage considering the human aspect, because the law had created a "humanity crisis".
In reply to a question, Hosein said those who have already been convicted under the law will be able to appeal in the High Court after the amendment.
On conditional lifting of the ban on indoor politics, he said the ban has been relaxed in the wake of political parties' demand so that they could get the opportunity of bringing about reforms within their parties as well as holding discussions with the Election Commission on electoral reforms.
In reply to a question, the Adviser said if any party requires attendance of over 50 people they would seek permission from the authorities concerned.
When asked about keeping the BNP central office locked, he said the government did not give permission to open the office in a bid to prevent any clash between the two factions of the party.
The Adviser observed that a vacuum in politics had been created because of "irresponsible" behaviour of some so-called politicians and consequently that forced the caretaker government to hold office beyond the stipulated three months.