The Indemnity (Repeall Bill. 1996 seeking to pave the way for trial of the killers of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, was introduced in the Jatiya Sangsad yesterday, in the absence of the main opposition BNP.

The BNP lawmakers abstained from attending the House and as per an earlier decision they will continue the abstention till BNP’s 10-point demand is met.

Though the three lawmakers of Jamaat-e-Islami attended yesterday’s sitting of the Sangsad. but they were also absent when the Bill was introduced al 8:33 pm.

With Speaker Humayun Rashid Chowdhury in the chair. State Minister for Law. Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Ab-

dul Matin Khasru introduced the Bill amidst applause from lawmakers belonging to the ruling Awami League and Jatiya Party.

Immediately after the Bill was introduced, the House decided unanimously through a voice vote to send it to a special Sangsad committee for scrutiny and placing a report before parliament within seven days.

The special committee was formed earlier as per a proposal made by Leader of the House and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on July 23 during the first session of the Seventh Parliament.

The Indemnity Ordinance was promulgated on September 26. 1975 to indemnify those who had killed the country’s

Indemnity Bill

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first President Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and his family members and toppled his government in a military putsch on August 15 of the same year.

The text of the Bill said: This Act will be identified as The Indemnity (Repeal) Act 1996 ' It proposes annulment of The Indemnity Ordinance. 1975’ and all acts under cover of this ordinance

Abdul Matin Khasru said that it was necessary to repeal the Ordinance and hence the Bill was introduced to preserve the right to seek protection of law and ensure rule of law in the country

The Indemnity Ordinance of 1975 is contrary to basic hu man rights and fundamental rights and to the rule ol law as envisaged in the ConsUtunon he added