Cabinet Approves Making Speedy Trial Act Permanent

On Monday, the cabinet granted final approval to the draft of the 2024 amendment to The Law and Order Disruption (Speedy Trial) Act, marking a shift towards permanency rather than the previous practice of extending its duration by two years.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina chaired the cabinet meeting at her office (PMO), as conveyed by Cabinet Secretary Md Mahbub Hossain to the media.

Hossain mentioned that the law, enacted in 2002, initially had a two-year tenure, subject to subsequent extensions. Although another extension was slated for April 9, the cabinet has now decided in principle to confer permanent status upon the act.

When asked about the rationale behind making the act permanent, the cabinet secretary explained that the public security division of the home ministry recommended it, citing the law's effectiveness in curbing crimes.

Responding to a further inquiry, Hossain clarified that the original form of the act would be maintained.