The New Nation - Internet Edition

Staff Reporter

Cherie Blair QC, wife of former British prime minister Tony Blair, yesterday laid emphasis on the need for applying the principles of Bangladesh Constitution to ensure the rule of law and human rights in the country.

"The Constitution of Bangladesh is full of principles totally complying with international conventions. It is important to ensure that these principles are not just on paper but those principles must be applied," she said while briefing journalists after a meeting with Adviser for Foreign Affairs Dr Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury at the state guesthouse Padma.

Earlier, at a press conference at the chamber of her fellow Barrister Ajmalul Hossain QC at the Supreme Court Bar Association, Cherie Blair said Bangladeshis would decide for themselves how to protect their human rights and come back to democracy.

Asked to comment on the political situation, Cherie parried the question saying that she cannot make any comment on domestic politics.

She said the purpose of her visit was to observe judicial proceedings and the human rights situation in Bangladesh, which were her special areas of interest as a lawyer.

Cherie Blair came to Bangladesh on a three-day visit at the invitation of her friend and colleague Ajmalul Hossain QC and Barrister Rafiqul Haque. This is her fist ever visit to Bangladesh.

She went to the Supreme Court in the morning to observe appeal proceedings involving a graft case against former prime minister Sheikh Hasina.

Cherie stayed in the courtroom till 1:00 pm and observed the proceedings in the Government appeal against a High Court verdict that scrapped the case filed by businessman Azam J Chowdhury against Sheikh Hasina.

Asked about political parties' complaint against the legal process being followed against Sheikh Hasina, she said that is the matter of the Supreme Court to settle.

Cherie referred that the legal system in Bangladesh is based on common laws of the UK saying, "We have fair and independent judges in Britain", upholding laws and constitution.

"I am sure judges in Bangladesh will uphold their own positions and duties to rule of law," she said.

About the luncheon meeting with the Foreign Adviser, Cherie said she discussed the progress of Bangladesh election in coming December and also the role of women in Bangladesh.

Barrister Ajmalul said Cherie Blair was his colleague and she came here on a personal invitation. "Her visit does not have any relation with the political case," he said.