Law Minister Md Asaduzzaman has said that Bangladesh does not need another Manik or Khairul Haque to emerge in the judiciary, emphasising the need for transparency and accountability in judicial appointments.
“We do not want another Manik to be born in Bangladesh. We do not want another Khairul Haque to emerge. We do not want any more judicial killings,” the minister said during parliamentary debate on the Supreme Court Judges Appointment (Repeal) Bill, 2026, on Thursday, the 12th day of the first session of the 13th parliament.
Speaking after opposition MP Akhter Hossen spoke against the bill, Asaduzzaman criticised past judicial appointments made during the “17-year fascist era,” claiming that party cadres were placed on the bench, disgracing the judiciary.
“Appointments through which Khairul Haque was born. Appointments that created an environment where the residence of the Chief Justice was attacked,” he said.
The law minister defended the government’s position on judicial appointments, citing constitutional provisions. He pointed out that Article 95(1) requires presidential appointments in consultation with the chief justice, while Article 98 makes no such requirement for ad hoc appointments.
He noted that while the opposition relied on Article 31 of the July Charter, which proposes an independent judicial appointment commission led by the chief justice, the government is open to constitutional reform through a special committee.
“Let us form a constitutional committee. Let us conduct a thorough analysis. Let us detect where the ailments are. Let us make a proper diagnosis. Then let us administer the medicine,” Asaduzzaman said, urging the opposition to come to the table for discussion.
“We too can be wrong. We too want to come to the right path. Let us sit together at one table and resolve the rights and wrongs of both sides through discussion,” he added, warning that while they debate, “behind us the fascists are applauding.”
The minister concluded by noting that parliament remains open for amendments, saying, “Every amendment is a reform. Let us proceed along that path.”
