Parliament on Thursday passed the “Law and Order Disruption Crime (Speedy Trial) (Amendment) Bill-2014” with a provision of extending the speedy trial law for another five years. With passage of the law, the extension of the law will be effective from April 8, 2014 up to April 7, 2019.
State Minister for Home Affairs Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal moved the bill in the House for its passage as the sitting of the day began in the afternoon with Speaker Dr Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury in the chair. The bill was passed unanimously by voice votes.Earlier chairman of Parliamentary Standing Committee on the Ministry of Home Affairs Tipu Munshi yesterday placed the report on the bill in the House.
Minister for Industries Amir Hossain Amu on March 30 placed the bill in Parliament on behalf the state minister for home affairs.
The law was enacted first on April 10 in 2002 for two years in order to curbing crimes and ensuring fast prosecution.
Later, the law was amended in 2004, 2006 and 2012. The law will be useful in dealing with offences like extortion, attacks on property, threats, causing disruptions to public movement and street violence.
Independent lawmaker Rustom Ali Farazi had proposed to send the bill to the standing committee for further scrutiny and brought some amendments but those were not placed as he was not present in the House.
The objective of the bill said the extension of the bill was needed for disposal of 1,703 pending cases under the law.
According to the law, if a person is proved guilty he/she may face rigorous imprisonment for five years along with fine. – Staff Reporter
