Bill on ansar: Death sentence for mutiny

The cabinet yesterday approved in principle a bill that carries up to capital punishment for any Ansar member taking part in a mutiny, provoking it or conspiring to do so.

"For such grievous offences, the minimum punishment would be five years in jail while the maximum would be life sentence or even death penalty," said Cabinet Secretary Khandkar Anwarul Islam.

He was talking to reporters after a cabinet meeting, with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in the chair, approved the bill on Ansar Battalion Act, 2022 at the secretariat.

Currently, the highest punishment for such offences is six months in jail.   

As per the draft law, there will be two separate courts -- Summary Ansar Battalion Court and Special Ansar Battalion Court -- to try two types of offences by members of the force.

The summary court will try petty crimes and misconducts while the special court will deal with the serious offences, the secretary said, adding that Ansar Battalion Appeal Tribunal would also be set up under the proposed law.

He said the maximum punishment for petty crimes would be a three-year jail term.

The government can form the special court with three-members: one from the home ministry, one from the law and justice division and the other from the Ansar and VDP (Village Defence Party).

Upon approval of the government, Ansar and VDP's director general could form the summary court with three director-ranked officials.

Replying to a question, the cabinet secretary said the act is being formulated for offenses that would be committed within the force. "It will not be applicable to offences committed outside the force." 

According to the draft law, a member of Bangladesh Ansar cannot join any political or non-political organisations.