Granting Bail to Hasina’s Supporters Violates Legal Norms, Says Law Adviser

Interim government’s Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Adviser Dr Asif Nazrul has said that granting bail to followers of fugitive former prime minister Sheikh Hasina is inconsistent with established legal principles, especially when threats are being made against those involved in the July mass uprising.

Speaking to reporters at the Supreme Court on Thursday, 18 December, after a courtesy meeting with Chief Justice Dr Syed Refaat Ahmed on his last working day, Nazrul said Sheikh Hasina, currently in exile in India, has repeatedly issued threats to kill leaders of the July uprising. “If her supporters are granted bail in such a context, it cannot be considered compatible with bail norms,” he said.

Nazrul praised the outgoing chief justice for acting as a guardian of judicial reforms during a critical period and supporting legal initiatives taken by the Law Ministry. He also expressed concern over instances of what he termed “abnormal bail,” including cases where hundreds of bails were granted within hours.

The adviser said such decisions create fear and anxiety when individuals accused of serious crimes may pose threats to public safety after release. While stressing judicial independence, he said the issue had been raised repeatedly with the chief justice and would again be discussed with the incoming chief justice. He added that while lawful bail rights must be upheld, individuals who pose credible threats to lives should not be released.