PM criticises CJ for remarks on freedom of judiciary
UNB
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday criticised Chief Justice SK Sinha for his claim that there is no rule of law in the country and that the judiciary is not independent, reports UNB.
I dont understand how our chief justice could say theres no rule of law in the country and the judiciary isnt independent, she said while delivering her valedictory speech in parliament before the prorogation of its session.
Mentioning that the BNP chief has so far sought time for 140 times in a single case, the prime minister said, This is happening because the judiciary is independent. Or else, they couldnt grant time extension. If we had that mentality, they couldnt have given time, she said, adding that the government has not done anything like this.
She further said, The court is giving time to Khaleda Zia as per their wish. Then how could it be said theres no independence (of judiciary)? This is enough to serve as an example.
Sheikh Hasina, also the Leader of the House, said a vested quarter is also taking advantage of the chief justices claim and repeatedly said there is no rule of law in the country.
Posing a question, she said if there is no rule of law in the country how Bangladesh contains militancy and terrorism which are a global threat.
Taking a swipe at the Amnesty International for its recent report over the freedom of press in Bangladesh, the prime minister said, I want to say it clearly that newspapers, journalists and electronic media are enjoying full freedom in Bangladesh.
Mentioning that the freedom of expression also prevails in the country, Hasina said, But to enjoy the freedom, one has to perform responsibilities too as freedom does not mean to obstruct anybodys rights, if anyone wants to enjoy freedom then he or she would have to perform responsibilities, this is the reality.
Talking about television talk-shows, discussions and live programmes, Hasina said the participants are criticising the government round the clock. Theyre openly doing it... no one is going there to gag them. Newspapers are also writing against the government freely.
The prime minister, however, said if anyone does yellow journalism, gives false and untrue information, assassinates anyones character, the affected person has the right to take recourse to law. Its the right of all to take protection from false blame.
She said if any defamation case is filed against any journalist, it is his or her duty to prove their innocence.
The Leader of the House said there is a section of people who always think they can get some benefits if any abnormal situation prevails in the country. They think their dignity gets a boost during the period. But in a democratic system, their chance fades away.
Hasina also said this vested quarter has the desire to come to power, but they have no ability to seek votes from people. Many of them tried to form a party, but people didnt respond to their call, she said, adding that this section of people spreads propaganda.
Hasina said the countrys democratic base is very strong right now. About atrocities unleashed by BNP during their regime and in the last couple of years, she said BNP always pampers militancy and terrorism.
The prime minister urged all, including parents, guardians, teachers, imams and other professionals, to remain alert so that no one can get involved in the menace, and help the law enforcement agencies to root out the menace from the country.
