Speedy trial act extended
ET Report

The ruling Awami League, which once vehemently opposed it when in opposition, extended the duration of the speedy trial tribunal for two more years on Thursday. Home minister Sahara Khatun proposed enactment of the "Law and Order Infringement (speedy trial) Bill 2010" and it was passed by voice vote extending its validity until April 8, 2012.
However, independent MP Fazlul Azim of Noakhali-6 opposed the act's extension by reminding the ruling party members that they vehemently opposed the act's enactment in 2002.
He also pointed out that the Awami League branded it as a 'black act', insisting the main goal for its enactment was not met.
The independent MP argued that the process is not working as there are a lot of cases pending under the act.
This is largely because "Whoever comes to power, misuses it", he contunied. "All governments favour the act when in power. Once they are in the driving seat they no longer oppose the act", Azim told the speaker.
On June 17, Home minister Sahara Khatun tabled the bill seeking extension of the Speedy Trial Act until April 8, 2012. It was then sent to the parliamentary standing committee for home affairs ministry for scrutiny.
Sahara supported the extension by saying that it is needed to ensure quick resolution of 865 cases, which are under investigation, and 1,747 cases under trial. The cases are mostly related to crimes like murder, extortion, vandalism, and mugging. Earlier on May 31, a cabinet meeting, chaired by prime minister Sheikh Hasina, gave final approval to the draft bill.
The government made the decision even though the Awami League had opposed its introduction when it was originally enacted on Apr 10, 2002 by the ruling BNP, describing it as a "black law" designed to harass and persecute political opponents. Afterwards, the Act was extended three times until Apr 9, 2010. Under the Act, a special court is required to dispose of a case within 90 working days. A further 30 working days can be granted if it cannot complete the process during that time. An aggrieved person is entitled to appeal to the High Court against a judgment of the Tribunal within 30 days of the ruling.