STAFF CORRESPONDENT

Parliament yesterday passed 14 bills, including the Code of Criminal Procedure (Amendment) Bill, 2026, which makes it mandatory to inform the family within 12 hours of arresting a person.

The bills converted ordinances issued during the interim government into law. With no amendment proposals placed, they were passed directly through voice vote without discussion.

Two other bills were also tabled with changes from the ordinances. They are the National Freedom Fighters’ Council (Amendment) Bill and the Smoking and Tobacco Products Usage (Control) Bill.

The opposition had submitted dissent notes on these in the special committee that scrutinised the ordinances. The two bills will be discussed later.

Among the bills passed, the Haor and Wetlands Conservation Bill was introduced by Water Resources Minister Shahiduddin Chowdhury Anee.

Law Minister Md Asaduzzaman separately placed the CrPC amendment, the Civil Courts (Amendment) Bill, the International Crimes (Tribunals) (Amendment) Bill, and the Registration (Amendment) Bill.

While moving the International Crimes Tribunal bill, Asaduzzaman said it now includes enforced disappearance within the definition of crimes against humanity.

He also said those who claim that the current administration does not intend to criminalise enforced disappearances should read the bill carefully, as it reflects the government’s determination to prosecute such cases.

After the bill was passed, Opposition Leader Shafiqur Rahman raised a point of order, saying the minister’s remarks were unnecessary and should have been avoided. He added that the opposition would speak on the matter at the appropriate time.

In reply, Asaduzzaman said questions had been raised outside parliament about the government’s sincerity about prosecuting those accused in cases of enforced disappearances, which was why The

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