Crisis may deepen further

Splitting the law, justice and parliamentary affairs ministry into two divisions might deepen the crisis by adding to the grievances of judicial officials, said judicial officials.
The government, through a gazette notification, on Wednesday divided the ministry into two divisions -- law and justice division, and legislative and parliamentary affairs division -- with their tasks rearranged.
Two secretaries will be appointed for the two divisions.
A number of judicial officials said some of the crucial jurisdiction of the former law and justice wing were curtailed and the newly created legislative and parliamentary affairs division will deal with them from now on.
Before the ministry was divided an additional secretary headed the drafting wing and the post for the law secretary used to have been kept reserved for the judicial officials who worked on deputation in the law ministry.
But now an official from the former drafting wing will be appointed secretary to the division instead of a judicial official.
Due to the formation of two divisions the laws need to be amended to pave the ways for appointing two secretaries for the two divisions.
The government officials said after the formation of the division, the legislative and parliamentary affairs division will deal with the drafting and vetting of laws and scrutinising international agreements, translation of laws, legal functions related to Election Commission, law reformation, formulation of copyrights laws, legal functions of the law commission, human rights commission, ombudsman and parliamentary affairs, shifting of offices and promotions, appointments and transfers of the officials.
On the other hand, the law and justice division will deal with administrative functions, recruitment and transfers of the registrars, appointment of kazis, notary public, court fee, judicial service functions, appointment of the government law officers, supervision of the courts, tribunals and legal opinions.
Meanwhile, Law Minister Shafique Ahmed yesterday told The Daily Star that the law, justice and parliamentary affairs ministry will now gain momentum in running its functions following the creation of two separate divisions.
“The ministry will become vibrant and speedy and can function smoothly, as the longstanding misunderstanding and conflict between its judicial and executive officials will be removed now,” he said.
He said the judicial and executive officials would discharge their respective duties under the divisions.
The government will appoint two secretaries to the divisions of the ministry after amending the recruitments rules, he added.