Govt moves to lift 'political harassment' charges

In a step to address allegations of political persecution, the government has formed a central committee to review and withdraw cases deemed to be "political harassment", reports bdnews24.com.
Law Minister Md Asaduzzaman has been appointed as convenor of the six-member committee, according to the ministry on Sunday.
The panel also includes the home secretary and an additional or joint secretary from the ministry.
The committee's mandate is to examine recommendations received from district-level committees, identify cases filed on politically motivated grounds, prepare a comprehensive list, and take steps to withdraw them.
This initiative follows a pattern established under the BNP government led by Tarique Rahman, which last month withdrew 2,008 cases citing "political harassment".
Following the political upheaval in the 2024 Mass Uprising that led to the fall of Sheikh Hasina's administration, the ministry recommended the withdrawal of 23,865 cases filed during the former Awami League rule.
Most of these cases had been lodged against leaders and activists from multiple parties, including the BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami, Hifazat-e Islam, and Gono Odhikar Parishad, highlighting the cross-party nature of the alleged political targeting.