bdnews24.com :The 16th Amendment Bill has been introduced to keep the judges ‘under pressure’, senior BNP leader Rafiqul Islam Mia claims.At a discussion on Friday he alleged the ruling Awami League aimed at “monopolising” power.Law Minister Anisul Huq tabled the bill on Sept 7 to restore Parliament’s power to remove judges.It has been sent to the standing committee of the law ministry for scrutiny within seven days.The BNP, which boycotted the Jan 5 polls, hasalleged the government wants to impose itself on the judiciary, a charge the Awmai League denies.Bangladesh’s first Constitution empowered Parliament to impeach judges but then it was bestowed on the president through the 4th amendment during the rule of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.Rafiqul Islam claimed the law minister had “lied” while speaking about the purpose of the bill.”He (Huq) lied by claiming the bill aimed at giving back Parliament its power to remove judges,” he alleged.Mia claimed Bangabandhu had “introduced autocracy” through the 4th Amendment.He alleged, “The incumbent government has introduced the 16th Amendment bill to keep the judges under pressure. “It’s only aim is to monopolise power.”
