Law Adviser Asif Nazrul has questioned whether judges could be held accountable if individuals granted bail commit violent acts, raising concerns over the mass release of suspects linked to the July uprising.
Speaking to reporters on Thursday after a farewell meeting with Chief Justice Syed Refaat Ahmed, Asif Nazrul accused deposed prime minister Sheikh Hasina of threatening the lives of those involved in the July Uprising. He alleged that her supporters were receiving bail in large numbers without proper judicial scrutiny.
“If these individuals commit killings after being granted bail, does the responsibility fall on the presiding judge? This is a serious concern,” he said.
Law adviser expressed regret over his remarks regarding the judiciary, stating, “I apologize for stating it this way, but there was no other way to convey the concern.”
He warned that the government’s actions could allow potentially dangerous individuals to target participants of the July uprising. “We are deeply anxious and concerned about the consequences of such bail decisions,” he said.
Referring to the Chief Justice as the guardian of the High Court, Asif Nazrul said he had previously raised these concerns and plans to discuss them with future chief justices.
“If supporters of the fugitive fascist leader are granted bail despite posing potential threats, it contradicts judicial prudence. Judges must consider whether releasing someone who could commit murder carries liability,” he said.
While acknowledging that judges have the authority to grant bail, the adviser emphasized that credible threats to life should be sufficient grounds to deny it. “We have brought this matter to the Chief Justice’s attention,” he added.
