C T Online Desk: July 25, 2026 – Emphasizing the government’s firm position on corruption, Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Advocate Md Asaduzzaman said that the judiciary, legal professionals, and state institutions must collaborate to uphold the rule of law and create a system of accountability.
He encouraged the new generation of lawyers to adopt a resolute approach against corruption, urging them to utilize their talents, integrity, and professional abilities to promote justice.
“The present government aims to move away from the previous culture of theft and money laundering, striving to establish a transparent, accountable, and democratic state. To achieve this, it is essential to enforce the rule of law at all societal levels and foster a united front against corruption,” he said while speaking as the chief guest at the opening of a training workshop for newly admitted lawyers at the Chattogram District Bar Association auditorium today.
A total of 1,054 newly enrolled lawyers took part in this workshop organized by the Chattogram District Bar Association. The programme focused on the social standing, professional ethics, and the crucial role of lawyers in upholding justice.
During the event, Law Minister Advocate Md. Asaduzzaman highlighted the alarming extent of corruption under the previous authoritarian government, saying, “In the last 16 years, 234 billion dollars have been smuggled out of Bangladesh; this information is not mine, but is published in the renowned “Time Magazine.”
“This means that approximately 16 billion dollars have left the country each year, which is equivalent to two or three of the current budgets,” he said. For examples, he said, “Tk 280 crore was designated for the construction of a 4.5-kilometer road in Khulna, and during the regime of an individual referred to as “Maharaj” in Pirojpur, work valued at Tk 3,500 crore was embezzled, merely documented on paper and pen within the LGED department. At that time, the citizens of the country endured a period when corruption had become institutionalized across nearly all sectors.”
The Law Minister advised the new lawyers that there are no shortcuts to becoming a lawyer. Continuous learning is essential, he said, encouraging them to serve the public, uphold justice, and maintain professional integrity without pursuing wealth.
Following the event, Law Minister Md Asaduzzaman responded to inquiries from journalists regarding former President Md Sahabuddin, stating, “The government is currently examining the various allegations made against him during his tenure as the chairman of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC)”.
“In response to public demand, appropriate actions will be taken in accordance with the law after a thorough investigation of the allegations as the government is committed to ensuring that no individual is subjected to unjust treatment. Nevertheless, a decision will be made based on legal principles after confirming the veracity of the claims,” he said.
The event was chaired by Tarique Ahmed, President of the Chattogram District Bar Association, and Chattogram City Corporation Mayor Dr. Shahadat Hossain, MP Abu Sufian, District and Sessions Judge Kazi Abdul Hannan, Metropolitan Sessions Judge Md. Hasanul Islam, Chief Metropolitan Magistrate A.G.M. Monirul Hasan Sarkar, Chief Judicial Magistrate Md. Sohag Talukder, Deputy Commissioner and District Magistrate Mohammad Zahidul Islam Miah, and Bangladesh Bar Council Ad Hoc Committee Member Mohammad Nazim Uddin Chowdhury among others addressed the function.
The event was facilitated by Mohammad Nazrul Islam, Deputy General Secretary of the Chattogram District Bar Association, while General Secretary Mohammad Moinuddin delivered the welcome address.
