The New Nation - Internet Edition

Staff Reporter

Citizen Rights Movement, a non-government human rights organisation, yesterday put up 10-point charter of demands such as removal of the controversial judges of the higher courts, who were appointed under political consideration during the previous governments. The demands include formation of a judicial commission by appointing a senior lawyer as ombudsman for a close watch on overall judiciary to establish a welfare and an ideal state.

The demands were placed at a round table meeting of the organisation held at the National Press Club with its Adviser Group Captain (Retd) Engineer Md Alfaz in the chair.

The demands also include enactment of a law ensuring punishment for filing false statements by eyewitnesses or investigation officers, bringing amendment to the Article 70 of the Constitution relating to floor crossing in Parliament to remove inconsistence in it, taking measure to ensure holding trials of 'big fishes' and confiscating their movable and immovable property and executing those people who are involved in corruption of an amount over Tk five crore by firing squad.

Addressing the meeting, the speakers observed the present government has to take the responsibility to remove the controversial judges.

They said the removal of controversial judges is urgent to bring back the confidence of the people on judiciary:

Supreme Court Bar Association President Barrister Amir-ul Islam recommended formation of a judiciary reforms commission to strengthen the country's judicial system.

"The country is now passing through a critical time. An independent and clean judiciary is essential for the success of democratisation," he said adding, "It is time for its implementation. A judiciary reforms commission has to be formed on an emergency basis to remove controversial and inefficient judges."

Emphasising the need for ensuring transparency in the appointment of judges, he said it is not fair to appoint judges through a secret meeting of a few.

"Some criteria have to be fixed for judges' appointment, including advertisements, written tests and interviews," he said..

Citizens Rights Movement Secretary General Tusar Rehman presented keynote paper. Journalist Mizanur Rahman Khan also presented another paper.

"The Supreme Judicial Council has to be made effective to remove spineless and corrupt judges," he observed.

Former lawmaker Faruq Khan said there is a provision in the constitution to remove the controversial judges.

"I do not think that it's necessity to form a new commission. However, there should be a commission for appointing efficient judges in future," he said.

Dr Zafarullah Chowdhury of Ganosasthya said there should be a provision for publishing the wealth statement of judges to the public.

Among others, the meeting was also addressed, by JSD president A.S.M. Abdur Rab, writer Syed Abul Maqsud, former DG of BDR Maj Gen (Retd) ALM Fazlur Rahman, Advocate Yusuf Hossain Humayun, Advocate Mahbub Alam Dulal, Eng. Mominul Rahman, Maj (Retd) Mofizul Haque and Wing Commander (Retd) Advocate M Aziz Khan.