Terming terrorism as a global phenomena, Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Anisul Huq called for a integrated approach to combat the scourge.
“We should stress the need for pre-emptive action, educating people and engaging community and religious leaders to deplore terrorist activities,” he told a meeting of the Commonwealth Law Ministers in Nassau, the Bahamas.
Law ministers and attorneys-general from all regions of the Commonwealth met from October 16-19 in Nassau, the Bahamas, for the Commonwealth Law Ministers Meeting (CLMM).
The theme of this year’s meeting, ‘Strengthening the rule of law through technology’, reflects how new technologies have shaped all facets in the world, including law and access to justice. Commonwealth law ministers are discussing a wide range of issues, including strengthening of legal frameworks for sustainable development, climate change, governance and promoting peace and security.
Speaking on the occasion, Anisul Huq also mentioned, “Apart from the anti-terrorism and anti-money Laundering acts, the Bangladesh government is exploring ways on how to bring those responsible for abusing ICT to spread extremist venom.”
The minister also highlighted the various legislative changes introduced by the government of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina over the last eight years to ensure democratic rights of the people, strengthen democratic institutions, facilitate development, combat the adverse impacts of climate change and root out extremism and terrorism.
He also deliberated on the laws enacted to ensure democracy, human rights and rule of law and in this regard he put forwarded formation of the National Human Rights Council and its independence and function.
The minister also elaborated on the establishment and proceedings of the International Crimes Tribunal which, he stated, was to ensure justice to the victims of genocide that took place during Bangladesh’s War of Independence.
At the sidelines of the ministerial event, the law minister also had a meeting with the Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland.
The minister reiterated Bangladesh’s commitment to the Commonwealth values and processes. He also thanked the secretary-general for the message issued praising Bangladesh government for the assistance provided to the forcibly displaced Rohingyas of Myanmar.
He updated the Secretary General on the present circumstances and the solution offered by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina during her recent statement at the UN General Assembly.
The Secretary General lauded the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, particularly for championing girls’ education, women’s empowerment and in building a harmonious society and looked forward to her participation and lead role at the next Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting to be held in 2018.
