Govt to look into state counsels’ unawareness

Law Minister Anisul Huq yesterday said the government will examine the issues regarding the state counsels' (deputy attorney generals) "unawareness" about the High Court granting bail to GK Shamim, a notorious former contractor, in two criminal cases.

"The incident of state counsels' unawareness about the High Court granting bail to GK Shamim is unfortunate. As per relevant law, the court must hear both the state and defence counsels while granting bail to an accused in such a case. Deputy Attorney General FR Khan has said he did not know about the court's granting order to Shamim. It will be examined," he said.

The law minister was talking to reporters after attending a workshop on "ease of doing business initiatives" as chief guest, organised by Bangladesh Investment Development Authority at a city hotel.

Anisul said he told the attorney general to look into whether there was any negligence on the part of the deputy attorney generals in dealing with the cases against GK Shamim.

Earlier in the day, the law minister told the workshop the land registration process across the country will be brought under an automation system.

Work for preparation of a development project proposal for this purpose is at the final stage, he said.

The issues regarding mutation of land and its ownership, record, rent payment and survey are being coordinated with land registration functions, the minister said, adding that positive and visible progress in this regard will be achieved if these steps are executed.

BIDA's Executive Chairman Md Sirajul Islam presided over the workshop where Salman F Rahman, prime minister's adviser on private industry and investment, spoke as special guest.