C T Online Desk: Dec 29, 2021- Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Anisul Huq today said the President Abdul Hamid has initiated dialogue with the political parties to form a search committee to ultimately form Election Commission (EC) and the next EC would be formed as per his decision.
“There is no scope of dispute regarding the formation of the EC. It would
be formed as per the decision taken by the President as it is his
responsibility. Even I want an act to form the EC. But now, there is no time
left for this. It would not be right to issue an ordinance in this regard,
bypassing the parliament,” the law minister said.
He said this while addressing as the chief guest at the annual general
meeting (AGM) of the Crime Reporters Association of Bangladesh (CRAB) in the
capital, an official release said.
Presided over by CRAB President Mizan Malik and conducted by its general
secretary Alauddin Arif, the programme was also addressed, among others, by
Daily Jugantor Editor and former President of National Press Club Saiful
Alam, Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) Director General Chowdhury Abdullah Al
Mamun and Dhaka Reporters Unity President Nazrul Islam Mithu.
Anisul Huq said the search committee would be formed with a senior justice
of the Appellate Division, a justice from the High Court Division, chairman
of the Public Service Commission and Auditor and Comptroller General. All of
them are holding constitutional posts. The remaining two would be from the
civil society, he added.
“There would be no political person in this search committee. This search
committee would nominate 10 persons and send the names to the president,” the
law minister further said.
While talking about the Digital Security Act (DSA), he said Bangladesh
needs this law.
“I know there were instances of misuse of this act. But we have taken
initiative to stop such misuse. Now no journalists are arrested right after
filing of case under this act. First concerned authorities scrutinize
everything. This act has not been enacted to curb freedom of speech and the
press freedom,” he added.
