No Alternative To Reforms In Fulfilling People's Aspirations: Asif Nazrul

Asif Nazrul, an advisor to the Ministries of Law, Justice, and Parliamentary Affairs and the Ministry of Expatriate Welfare and Overseas Employment, is a popular columnist, human rights activist, and author of several important books.

From 2011 to 2017, he was a member of the Bureau of South Asians for Human Rights. He has worked as a consultant for various organizations including the EU Delegation in Bangladesh, UNDP, ADB, DANIDA, SIDA, CARE, and TIB, focusing on good governance, the right to justice, human rights, and more. In a recent interview with Deshkal, he discussed issues like advisory council activities, reforms, the trial of the International Crimes Tribunal, expatriate workers, and Bangladesh-India relations. The interview was conducted by MD Hossain.

What is your plan to fulfill people's aspirations for human rights, justice, the rule of law, freedom of speech, and voting rights, which are closely linked to the Ministry of Law’s work?

There is no alternative to reform to fulfill people's aspirations. However, I have not had time to focus on reforms yet. I will soon begin the visible process of reform, and with a year’s time, I will work on these reforms. It won’t be possible to ensure human rights, justice, the rule of law, freedom of speech, and voting rights without reform. In the last four months, a lot of time was spent on routine work, such as withdrawing conspiratorial cases, releasing innocent people arrested during protests, removing the influence of the previous government from the Attorney General's office, appointing officers who were victims of discrimination, and assisting in various recruitments. Now, I am working on two ministries.

How were human rights, justice, the rule of law, freedom of speech, and voting rights violated?

During the rule of the Awami League government, Bangladesh's higher judiciary was granted powers that helped keep the fascist government in power. These powers were used to solidify their control. Many people were detained for long periods without being proven guilty, and their bail applications were often rejected. If there had been free elections every five years and the elected party formed the government, the ruling party would not have been able to use the judiciary to maintain such authoritarian behavior.

What are the thoughts on the reforms of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) and the judiciary?

The ACC and judiciary were subjugated by the previous government, allowing corruption to spiral out of control without any consequences. A former prime minister's servant became a billionaire with 400 crore Taka, a fact he laughingly presented to the nation. Under the previous government, corruption became institutionalized. There was no punishment for it, and the culture of recognizing corruption as a negative thing vanished. A commission has been formed to reform the ACC and judiciary. We will start the reform process once we receive the commission’s report.

What is the progress on holding former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and the Awami League accountable for the July killings?

Victims and their families are filing cases under the prevailing laws. We cannot stop them, as it is their right. However, the scope of the July killings is vast, and for a fair trial, it is best to try them in the International Crimes Tribunal under the 1973 law. We have discussed the issue with national and international experts, and we are confident about ensuring the proper trial of those who gave the orders for the July killings. We have been able to communicate this to foreign diplomats and representatives of UN agencies. Some concerns were raised, and certain amendments have been made to the law. Our goal is not revenge but to ensure a proper trial for the genocide.

How will Sheikh Hasina be brought back to face trial in Bangladesh?

Bangladesh has requested India to extradite former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on charges of crimes against humanity. A letter has been sent to India, and a note verbale has been issued. The process is underway. We also have an extradition treaty with them.

What are the charges against Sheikh Hasina in the International Crimes Tribunal?

There are allegations against Sheikh Hasina in the International Crimes Tribunal for the killings during the uprising, enforced disappearances and crossfires over the last 16 years, the Pilkhana massacre, and the killing of people during the Hefazat-e-Islam rally in Shapla Chattar, Motijheel. Several ongoing cases have been filed against Sheikh Hasina, her cabinet, and other officials.

What steps are being taken to address the suffering of expatriate workers?

We are working to end the exploitation of Bangladeshi workers abroad, as well as the difficulties they face in obtaining passports, national IDs, and transferring and withdrawing money. During my recent trip to Qatar for official work, I heard many stories of the exploitation of Bangladeshi workers. I spoke to several workers and professionals who were invited by the embassy, and I also heard from the embassy officials. The main complaints of the expatriates were related to passports, national IDs, power of attorney, employment, and wages. Regarding the passport issue, I have spoken to the Director General (DG), who assured me that passport distribution will begin in mid-December.