Separation of judiciary hailed
Different organisations yesterday hailed the government's decision to implement separation of the judiciary from the executive on November 1.
They also came down heavily on the move of Bangladesh Administrative Service Association opposing the separation at the eleventh hour of implementing the decision.
Terming the decision to separate the judiciary historic, they said it has fulfilled expectations of the lawyers as well as the people of Bangladesh.
Bangladesh Bar Council in a press release said all the successive governments gave assurance and even took some steps to separate the judiciary, but could not do it due to an "evil force".
It also said some executive officials in fear of losing power if the judiciary is separated had influenced the matter that delayed the process. The political governments also could not implement it due to weak leadership and lack of administrative cooperation.
"Separation of the judiciary is a long-term movement of the lawyers. It is becoming possible due to the government's willingness and the Supreme Court's firmness," read the news release signed by Khandaker Mahbub Hossain, interim vice-chairman of Bangladesh Bar Council.
The release went on to say that it is regrettable that some bureaucrats could not comply with the decision despite being government officials and are apparently opposing it. This goes against the code of conduct of the government officials, it added.
"Some problems may occur while separating the judiciary, but it can be solved as has been done in India," it further read.
Hailing the government move, Sammilita Ainjibi Samonnay Parishad said an identified section is opposing the decision and its behaviour in the end of the process is unwanted.
It urged all to abstain from delivering negative speeches and abide by the constitution and the Supreme Court.
The Parishad also called on the lawyers to observe November 1 as independence and separation of judiciary day.
Sammilita Peshajibi Parishad, an alliance of professional bodies, yesterday at an emergency meeting at Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh said the speeches and activities of the BCS (Administration) officials were quite unwarranted.
Welcoming the government's decision, around 70,000 physicians, agriculturists and engineers decided to play a positive role in the implementation of separation of the judiciary.
They also said opposition of the BCS (Admin) cadres has proved that their apathy in separating the judiciary is the main reason for the delay of 37 years. They also urged them not to oppose it any longer for the sake of the nation.
Slating the BCS (Admin) cadres, Bangladesh Nagorik Samaj said it is nothing but conspiracy of a group of bureaucrats.
It urged the government to take stern action against the group as their speeches and activities are "contempt of court" amidst the state of emergency.
Bangladesh Civil Service (BCS) Shamannay Committee at a view sharing meeting yesterday said separation of the judiciary from the executive is the demand of democracy. "It is not an issue of inter cadre relationship."
There is no way to halt implementation of separation of the judiciary. Rather, it should be investigated why it took so long despite there being clear directives in the constitution, it said.
Expressing surprise and concern over opposition of a section of bureaucrats, Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB) urged all to move forward the process.
In a press release, CPB President Manzurul Ahsan Khan and General Secretary Muzahidul Islam Selim said some amendments of the current proposal are needed to ensure real independence of the judiciary.
Bangladesh Civil Service (Agriculture) Association, and Krishibid Institution, Bangladesh also welcomed the decision.
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