Speedy Trial Bill passed in parliament

The parliament has passed the Speedy Trial Bill, 2019 for extending its validity till 2024.

Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan moved the Law and Order Disruption (Speedy Trial) (Amendment) Bill, 2019 and it was passed by voice vote tonight.

The duration of the Law and Order Disruption (Speedy Trial) Act, 2002 expired in April this year. So, its validity has been extended by more five years. No change has been brought in the content of the law.

While talking on the bill, BNP MP Rumeen Farhana said she suspected that the bill would be used to harass BNP leaders and activists.

She added the government is increasing tenure of the bill aiming to secure its term as it wanted to misuse the law against the opposition activists.

BNP lawmaker Harunur Rashid also opposed the extension of the bill.

Their opinions, however, was rejected by the home minister.

Earlier on June 25, Minister Asaduzzaman placed the bill in the parliament and it was sent to the respective parliamentary standing committee for further examination.

The cabinet approved the bill on May 26.