DHAKA: The cabinet, on Monday, extended the term of Speedy Trial Act by five years for effective and fast dealing with crimes like extortion, tender manipulation, vandalism, mugging, etc.

The decision came at a regular meeting of the cabinet a secretariat with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in the chair.

In the meeting, the cabinet approved draft of Law and Order Disruption Offence (Speedy Trial) (amendment) Act in principle.

After the meeting, cabinet secretary Mohammad Mosharaf Hossain Bhuiyan said the term of the act was extended by five years till April 7, 2019.

The draft of amended law will be placed in the ongoing parliament session, he added.

The Speedy Trial Act was enacted on April 10, 2002 for two years to ensure quick trials of the crimes.

BDST: 1243 HRS, FEB 17, 2014