Law Affairs Adviser Dr. Asif Nazrul said on Tuesday (Oct 29) said abolishing the death penalty is not feasible in the current context.

In a meeting with United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk, he said that Bangladesh’s legal framework has included the death penalty for over a century, and with numerous ongoing trials for those accused in the recent youth protests, its immediate removal would be impractical.

He underscored the need to ensure that any significant legal reforms align with societal expectations.

Nazrul added that the UN Human Rights Commission is working on legal reforms to bolster acceptance of trials under the International Criminal Tribunal law, offering support in areas like forensic analysis, technical expertise, and capacity-building.

Assuring Turk of Bangladesh's commitment to justice, Nazrul emphasized the transparency of the tribunals, noting that they are held fairly and without a spirit of retribution. “The process is open; anyone is welcome to observe,” he added.

When asked about whether the upcoming election was discussed, Nazrul clarified that it was not part of the meeting’s agenda.

BDST: 1024 HRS, OCT 30, 2024
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