In a significant move towards restoring the rule of law, the Home Minister, Salahuddin Ahmed, has issued a formal directive to the police to scrutinise the deluge of lawsuits filed against prominent business figures and eminent citizens since the political transition on 5 August. The order aims to protect innocent individuals from “vexatious litigation” orchestrated by opportunistic elements.
Curbing the Scourge of “Litigation Culture”
Following a high-level consultative meeting with the heads of law enforcement agencies and departmental chiefs on Monday, 23 February, the Home Minister addressed a press conference at the Secretariat. He acknowledged that the post-5 August period has seen a surge in criminal cases where high-profile industrialists, respected professionals, and dignitaries have been named as defendants, often without any plausible link to the alleged offences.
“We have observed that a certain opportunistic class is exploiting the current climate to harass respectable members of society,” Minister Ahmed stated. “In many instances, it is physically or logically impossible for these individuals to have been involved in the crimes for which they are accused. We cannot claim to establish the rule of law while innocent people are subjected to such suffering.”
Systematic Verification and Police Accountability
The Minister clarified that the task of filtering these cases will fall directly under the jurisdiction of the police department rather than a separate commission. He emphasised that the goal is not to grant immunity but to ensure that the legal process is not weaponised for personal or political vendettas.
| Key Directives | Enforcement Details |
| Primary Objective | To identify and dismiss politically motivated or baseless cases. |
| Target Groups | Industrialists, prominent business leaders, and public figures. |
| Authority | Bangladesh Police (Internal Review). |
| Timeline | No fixed deadline; “expeditious” reporting requested. |
| Scope | Includes all citizens, including journalists and civil society members. |
Justice for All: Including the Press
When questioned by reporters whether this review would extend to the numerous cases filed against journalists, the Minister offered a firm, inclusive response. “Are journalists not human beings?” he remarked. “The law applies to every citizen. Everyone is entitled to the protection of the rule of law and should be spared from undue harassment.”
The Ministry’s stance reflects a broader effort to stabilise the national economy. Harassment of top-tier businessmen has historically led to market volatility and a decline in investor confidence. By ensuring that the legal system is used for genuine “Law and Justice” (আইন ও বিচার) rather than intimidation, the government hopes to foster an environment conducive to both social justice and economic growth.