Why not pass Baksal-like law?

BNP lawmaker Harunur Rashid yesterday in parliament said the government should pass a Baksal-like law, as the country is moving towards a one-party rule.

“I think the parliament should amend the constitution and pass a law restoring the decision taken during the introduction of Baksal in 1975 regarding the Articles of the constitution that mentioned basic rights. The country is now moving towards one-party rule,” he said speaking on a point of order.

Expressing grave concerns over the recent killing of Bangladeshi citizens by BSF, he said the government is not doing anything to stop this.

The opposition MP alleged that terrorist activities cannot be eradicated from university campuses due to a lack of the government’s intent.

Referring to media reports, Harunur said Chhatra League recently tortured four Dhaka University students, and later handed them over to police through teachers of the proctorial body.

“A few days back, 25 students of Buet were expelled for killing its student Abrar. We can’t free the educational institutions from terror activities for lack of the government’s intent,” he also said.

Stating that universities are the highest place for practicing knowledge, Harun said the government is failing to ensure the freedom of speech there.

“If this is the case, the parliament can pass a law banning the universities.”

 The BNP MP also alleged that the ruling party candidates and their supporters are not obeying the electoral code of conduct, as law enforcers and magistrates are not carrying out their duties properly.

“So, what is the necessity to stage a farce in the name of election?”

Referring to a newspaper report, he said around 1,825 cases were filed against BNP candidates in Dhaka north and south city corporation elections, while there are only 53 cases against the ruling party ones.

 “How will we restore people’s confidence in the election system if such a situation prevails?” he questioned.