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Compromise for sending it to special committee

Furore over bill seeking death penalty for terrorists

By Mahfuz Ullah and Nurul Kabir
The introduction of a bill before the Jatiya Sangsad seek Ing death sentence for terrorism and speedy trial of terror ists was deferred yesterday following angry protests and walkout by all the opposition members.
The bill is expected to be re-Introduced today only to be sent to a special committee for scrutiny. Sources close to both the Treasury Bench and the Opposition say it was negotiated by all parties In presence of the Speaker.
The objective of the Prevention of Terrorism Bill 1992 says with the alarming increase in the acts of terrorism. the existing laws are inadequate to deal with the terrorists. ■
In most cases punishment for such offence was inadequate. provisions of bail were
liberal and the trial, was Umi consuming.
But it was essenUal to provide capital punishment, strictness in granting bail and summary trial along with other measures for checking terrorism. It added.
State Minister for Law Amlnul Huq sought leave to introduce the bill within 15 minutes the House met. But the opposition leaders were yet to come In. By the time the minister finished his speech the Opposition rose to their feet and started shouting calling it another black law. Angry Awaml League member ASM Ftroz. tore a copy of the bill and threw the pieces on the floor, while the State Minister looked blankly.
The Opposition, losing temper, expressing anger and cat calling, staged a walkout cn
masse protesting the Introduction of the bill. The presiding Deputy Speaker then announced his decision of deferring the introduction of the bin
The Leader of the Opposition. Sheikh Hasina. briefing newsmen late evening in her chamber, said though the title of the bill spoke of curbing terrorists in reality It had nothing to do with tlial bin curbing fundamental rights.
Earlier, before the walkout. Begum Motia Chowdhury of Awaml League. In brief speech said the bill proposed unlim Ited powers to police which would breed unlimited corruption.
The Opposition, however, returned to the House after twenty minutes following a meeting in the clumber of the Deputy Leader of the
Opposition Abdus Samad Azad
Defending the bill as no violation of human rights' Information Minister Nazmul Huda told Tl>c Dally Star that an effective law to curb terrorists was necessary. Citing ex ample* of the law providing deterrent punishment against acid throwing Nazmul Huda said such a bill would be a deterrent.
Nazmul Huda further said the government, under the present arrangement, was finding II Inadequate to deal with terrorists
Hitting back at Opposition criticism the Information Minister said if the bill was passed the Opposition will be affected because tliey patronise the terrorists.
Senior leaders of the ruling party, speaking on condition of From Page 1 Col 5 anonymity, also cch^x-d the words of Nazmul Huda. But one of them confided, if the Opposition wants amendments will be made.
Briefing the newsmen Sheikh Hasina said 'It Is worst than the Special Powers Act of 1974.... It Is most unfortunate.'
She blamed that the government Was promoting the terrorists. If the government was sincere, terrorists could be tackled under the existing laws, she added.
Sheikh Hasina said the killers of Dr Milon were still in BNP even the killers of Badal were not being arrested.
She said the government -controlled electronic media would propagate that we (opposition) do nol want to curb terrorism. It Is unfair and by using the- title of the bill a dirty game-will be played.'
Expressing dismay at the attempt to Introduce the bill Rakhed Khan Menon told Hie Daily Star that it was not nee cssaty.' He expressed the hope that once sent io the special committee 'differences would be ironed out.
Terming the bill a black law. Suranjlt Sen Gupta said it negate* the spirit of the Joint Declaration of the Three Alliances.' He said that the declaration laid promised people rule of law bui such a bill would affect dispensation of Justice.
Suranjlt Sen Gupta said Introduction of capital punishment is a return to barbarity.
Terming the bill redundant. Moudud Ahmed of Jatlya Parly said it was contrary to the practice of human rights.
The bill
The bill says that the accused under the proposed law shall not be grunted ball at any stuge of InvcMIgutkin or trial unless and until the court finds sufficient evidence that the accused has not committed the offence.
It seeks to provide punishment ranging from a minimum seven year Imprisonment to death sentence for offences Including:
I) Snatching or hijacking money.
2) Extortion by any means.
3) Forcing anyone' to give or transfer money or wealth.
4) Hijacking anyone or confinement of anyone against his will or compelling or obstructing anyone to go anywhere.
5) Evicting anyone illegally from his Immovable property.
6) Causing damage, destruction or creating obstruction in the functioning of any educational tnstltutes. Industrial unit, shops and business organisations, factory, government office, government or private organisation, institution, statutory body or institution. foreign mission, foreign or international organisation.
7) Causing damage to or obstructing the use of any place or worship, religious institution or place used by the people.
8) Causing damage to river craft, road transport or aeroplane or illegal obstruction of their
movement or forcing the drtvers/owner* to take to different routes illegally
9| Causing disturbance In any meeting, rally or procession or Illegal obstruction to holding them
10) Obstruction In the movement of dally necessities of the people or for the functioning of the state.
11) Illegal obstruction in carrying out relief, rehabilitation or service oriented activities by the government, organisation or individual.
12) Illegal interference In or obstruction to any construction or development activities.
13) Resorting to terrorism by using arms or explosives, murder, physical Injuries, keeping hostage, destruction of property, torching and threatening, preparing or abetting others to all such terrorist acts.
Property of those found guilty in such terrorist activities may also be confiscated.
Offences under the proposed law will be tried by special tribunals consisting of Sessions Judge. Addtltonal Sessions Judge and Assistant Sessions Judge located tn each district headquarters.
Police, not below the rank of sub-inspector, or any other officer empowered by the gov ernment. can prosecute the offenders In the special tribunal for summary trial.