The Home Minister, Salahuddin Ahmed, has announced the approval of a further 1,202 cases for withdrawal, describing them as politically motivated prosecutions filed against opposition leaders and activists over a 17-year period under the previous administration. The decision, officials say, forms part of a broader governmental effort to address what it characterises as long-standing judicial harassment linked to partisan considerations.
The announcement was confirmed on Tuesday through a brief statement signed by Faisal Hasan, Director of Public Relations at the Ministry of Home Affairs. This follows an earlier communication issued on Sunday, in which the minister disclosed that approval had already been granted for the withdrawal of 1,606 similar cases lodged during the same 17-year period.
According to information provided by the Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, a comprehensive review was undertaken into cases filed during the tenure of the Bangladesh Awami League government. The review examined allegations that numerous prosecutions brought against leaders and supporters of opposition groups were politically motivated.
Among the parties cited in the review were the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, Hefazat-e-Islam Bangladesh, and Gono Odhikar Parishad, among others. In total, 23,865 cases were scrutinised as part of this coordinated assessment, with a substantial number recommended to the interim government for withdrawal.
Officials maintain that the latest approvals reflect a consistent and principled approach to restoring fairness within the judicial process. The Home Ministry has expressed the view that addressing what it terms “harassment cases” will contribute to rebuilding political trust and strengthening democratic norms.
Summary of Recent Case Withdrawals
| Time Period | Nature of Cases | Number Approved | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| 17 years (previous administration) | Alleged political harassment cases | 1,202 | Approved Tuesday |
| 17 years (previous administration) | Alleged political harassment cases | 1,606 | Approved Sunday |
| Comprehensive review (Awami League tenure) | Alleged political harassment cases | 23,865 | Reviewed; recommendations submitted |
Taken together, the two recent approvals amount to 2,808 cases cleared within days, signalling an acceleration in the review process. Government representatives argue that such measures will ease longstanding legal pressures on opposition figures and reduce political polarisation.
In a statement attributed to the minister, he reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to fostering political dialogue, mutual understanding and a more inclusive democratic culture. “The government remains steadfast in its pledge to strengthen the democratic environment through dialogue and goodwill,” he said.
Observers note that the systematic withdrawal of cases — if carried through transparently and in accordance with due process — could mark a significant step towards recalibrating Bangladesh’s political climate. The authorities have indicated that further reviews may follow, suggesting that the current initiative forms part of a broader institutional reform aimed at reinforcing public confidence in governance and the rule of law.