How could CJ say judiciary not independent?

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.

"I don't understand how our chief justice could say there's no rule of law and the judiciary isn't independent,” she said in parliament.

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The BNP chief has so far sought time extension for 140 times in a single case, the PM said.

"The court is giving time to Khaleda Zia as it wishes. Then how could it be said there's no independence [of judiciary]?”

Hasina, leader of the House, said a vested quarter was taking advantage of the chief justice's claim and was repeatedly saying there was no rule of law in the country.

She questioned if there was no rule of law, how Bangladesh contained terrorism, a global threat now.

Taking a swipe at the Amnesty International for its recent report on the press freedom in the country, the PM said, "I want to say it clearly that newspapers, journalists and electronic media are enjoying full freedom."

Freedom of expression also prevails in the country. "But to enjoy the freedom, one has to perform responsibilities too as freedom does not mean to obstruct anybody's rights."

Referring to television talk-shows, discussions and live programmes, Hasina said participants were criticising the government round the clock. "They're doing it openly... no one is going there to gag them. Newspapers are also writing against the government, freely."

Hasina, however, warned that if anyone did “yellow journalism”, gave false and untrue information, got involved in character assassination, the person affected had the right to take action legally.

If any defamation case is filed against any journalist, it is his duty to prove his innocence, she added.

Hasina said a section of people always thought they could get benefits out of any abnormal situation in the country. "They think their dignity gets a boost during the period. But in a democratic system, their chances diminish."

The vested quarter had the desire to come to power, but they lacked the ability to seek votes from people. "Many of them tried to form a party, but people didn't respond to their calls."

These people are spreading propaganda, the PM added.

The prime minister urged all, including parents, guardians, teachers, imams and other professionals, to remain alert so that no one can get involved in terrorism and militancy, and to help the law enforcement agencies root out the menaces from the country.

15th JS session prorogued

The 15th session of the 10th parliament was prorogued yesterday after only five sittings that passed two bills and unanimously accepted a motion to enact a law for punishing those who will distort the history of the 1971 Liberation War and the mass killings during that time.