The Home Affairs Adviser, Salahuddin Ahmed, has issued a formal directive to the police to scrutinise and verify lawsuits filed against high-profile business leaders and distinguished citizens since the political transition on 5 August. The move aims to address growing concerns regarding “malicious litigation” and to ensure that innocent individuals are not subjected to undue harassment.
Addressing Malicious Litigation
Speaking to the press on Monday, 23 February, following a high-level meeting with the heads of law enforcement agencies at the Secretariat, the Adviser noted a troubling trend. He observed that certain “opportunistic elements” have exploited the post-uprising legal environment to implicate prominent figures in criminal cases where their involvement is non-existent.
“Since the events of 5 August, a significant number of cases have been registered,” Mr Ahmed stated. “We have seen instances where renowned businessmen and esteemed members of society have been named as defendants, even when there is no plausible evidence of their involvement. This has led to substantial suffering and reputational damage.”
Upholding the Rule of Law
The Adviser emphasised that the government is committed to establishing a genuine “আইন ও বিচার” (Law and Justice) framework. He argued that the credibility of the administration’s pledge to ensure good governance depends on protecting innocent citizens from “case-mongering.”
| Key Directives | Implementation Strategy |
|---|---|
| Primary Goal | Eradicate harassment through baseless legal cases. |
| Target Group | Business leaders, prominent citizens, and journalists. |
| Verification Body | The Bangladesh Police (Standard investigative channels). |
| Timeline | No fixed deadline; however, a “swift report” is expected. |
| Criteria | Evidence of direct involvement vs. malicious implication. |
No Special Committees Required
When questioned on whether a dedicated commission would be established for this purpose, the Adviser clarified that the responsibility lies squarely with the police. He asserted that the existing investigative apparatus is sufficient to distinguish between legitimate criminal complaints and frivolous accusations.
Furthermore, when asked if journalists would be included in this protective review, Mr Ahmed responded pointedly: “Are journalists not human beings? This applies to everyone. Every citizen is entitled to the protection of the law.”
The Ministry’s stance marks a significant step towards stabilising the business climate and social order, as many investors and intellectuals had expressed fear over the “weaponisation” of the legal system. By instructing the police to filter through thousands of recently filed FIRs (First Information Reports), the government hopes to restore public trust in the judiciary and law enforcement.
