The BNP-led 20-party alliance on Monday announced a three-day programme protesting enforced disappearances and the government move to empower parliament to impeach Supreme Court judges.
BNP joint secretary general Ruhul Kabir Rizvi announced the programme at a press briefing at the party’s Nayapaltan central office.
He said the 20-party alliance leaders and activists will stage demonstrations in all district towns and cities, except Dhaka city, on Tuesday and hold protest processions and rallies at 15 points of the capital on Wednesday protesting the government decision of re-empowering parliament to remove Supreme Court judges.
The cabinet on August 18 approved the proposal for amendment to the constitution for empowering parliament to impeach the Supreme Court judges for misconduct or incapacity.
The 20-party alliance will also form human chains in all district towns and cities, including Dhaka, on Saturday (Aug 30) marking the ’International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearance.
Addressing the briefing, Rizvi said although the constitution ensured the independence of the judiciary, the government is trying to re-empower parliament to sack judges in a bid to establish its absolute control over the judiciary and the judges. “This law will ensure the Prime Minister’s power to control the judges.”
He said if the government amends the constitution to get back parliament’s power sack judges it will block the last resort of the people to have justice. “The judges will be appointed as per the recommendation of the Prime Minister and sacked as per her will.”
The BNP leader came down hard on the government for what he said indulging in enforced disappearances and killing to subdue its opponents. “The current regime is carrying out repressive acts, including killings, in a bid to cling to power.”
Source: UNB