Law enacted to fight crimes
To deal with crime better, Bangladesh has enacted a law to set up a central authority for mutual cooperation between Bangladesh and foreign countries.
The legislation made through promulgation of an ordinance by President Zillur Rahman on January 17, provides detailed procedure for inter-country cooperation in carrying out enquiries, prosecutions and trial of criminal activities.
It also empowers the Bangladesh government to freeze or attach properties of criminals and their equipment used in criminal activities in line with the request of a foreign country. The Bangladesh authorities may also take necessary steps to enforce a court verdict of a foreign country to freeze and attach properties if the existing laws in Bangladesh allow.
Regardless of having a treaty with Bangladesh, a foreign country seeking cooperation will have to certify that it will also provide Bangladesh the required assistance in return.
Under the new legislation, foreign countries will have access to the Bangladesh government's preserved documents, if existing laws do not prevent those from being disclosed.
The provisions of the law will be applicable for international tribunals seeking cooperation.
An advisory board headed by an additional attorney general will provide the central authority with legal opinions on various issues related to giving and seeking cooperation.
Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Shafique Ahmed yesterday placed five ordinances promulgated by the president before parliament.
They are: the mutual assistance of crime related issue ordinance, public servants (retirement) (amendment) ordinance, anti-human trafficking ordinance, money laundering prevention ordinance and anti-terrorism act (amendment) ordinance.
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