Legal notice seeks appointing an ombudsman
A legal notice has been served on the government to take steps in 72 hours for appointing an ombudsman to investigate the actions of any ministry and public office under the constitution.
Eunus Ali Akond, a Supreme Court lawyer, sent the notice to the cabinet secretary, Prime Minister’s Secretary and law secretary for appointing an ombudsman under article 77 of the constitution to investigate any action of a ministry and a public office and to report before the parliament and the government.
Article 77(1) of the constitution stipulates that “Parliament may, by law, provide for the establishment of the office of Ombudsman.” Article 77(2) of Bangladesh Constitution also stipulates that, once established the Ombudsman shall have the power to investigate any action taken by a ministry, a public officer or a statutory authority and such other powers and functions as may be prescribed by Parliament.
According to Article 77(3) of Bangladesh Constitution, The Ombudsman shall prepare an annual report concerning the discharge of his functions and such report shall be laid before Parliament. Being convinced by the fact that an institution like the Ombudsman would be essential for safeguarding the interests and rights of the public in Bangladesh from maladministration or administrative excesses, our constitution makers have made such provision for it in the constitution.
But the government has not appointed the ombudsman and has not formulated any law in this regard, Eunus said.
The SC lawyer also told The Daily Star that he will file a writ petition with the High Court seeking necessary directives on the government to appoint an ombudsman if the respondents do not take any steps in 72 hours.
Comments