Nation this week
A group of people injured during the July-August mass uprising, who were protesting for better treatment, agreed to return to their respective hospitals with the assurance that their demands would be met. The development came after four advisers of the interim government -- Legal Affairs Adviser Asif Nazrul, Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhter, Local Government Adviser Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan, Adviser Mahfuj Alam -- went in front of the National Orthopaedic Hospital and Rehabilitation Institute (NITOR), where the injured were staging their protest, at 2:30am and assured them of proper treatment and rehabilitation.
Sayedur Rahman, special assistant to the health adviser, also accompanied them. Earlier in the day, more than 50 people injured in the uprising, who were undergoing treatment at NITOR in the capital's Agargaon area and the adjoining National Institute of Ophthalmology and Hospital, launched the protest blocking the road in front of NITOR. They demanded proper treatment and quick release of funds from the July Smriti Foundation for all the victims.
Amnesty International has called for a neutral investigation into the attacks on people perceived to be part of the Awami League at Zero Point in Dhaka on Sunday (Nov. 10), citing that attack for someone's political belief is a violation of freedom of expression and association. In a statement on X on Tuesday, the rights organisation's South Asia chapter also urged the authorities to hold the perpetrators of the attacks accountable.
"Authorities must swiftly and impartially investigate and hold accountable perpetrators of the attacks on people perceived to be part of the Awami League at Zero Point on Sunday," it said, adding attacking people for their political beliefs is a violation of their right to freedom of expression and association. The human rights watchdog also said the authorities must take action to protect and foster these rights of all people, regardless of their political affiliations.
Attorney General Md Asaduzzaman called for significant revisions to the Constitution, suggesting the removal of key provisions such as socialism, Bengali nationalism, and secularism as founding principles, and the designation of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman as "Father of the Nation." He also argued vehemently for the reinstatement of the caretaker government provision for holding elections. During the fifth day of hearings at the High Court on the legality of the 15th amendment to the Constitution, he argued that these changes would align the constitution with the country's democratic and historical ethos.
The Attorney General also demanded the reinstatement of provisions for a referendum, which was abolished under the 15th Amendment. Speaking to the media after the hearing, the Attorney General said that retaining the 15th Amendment undermines the spirit of the Liberation War, the 1990 mass uprising, and the July 2024 revolution. "The amendment betrays the sacrifices of martyrs like Abu Sayed and Mugdho," he said.
The term of the interim government will last until the new prime minister takes office following the formation of the 13th National Parliament. The draft of the Interim Government Ordinance 2024 states that any lacking in the formation of the interim government, the appointment of the chief adviser, or any other advisor will not render any of their actions illegal solely for that reason. No questions regarding this can be raised in any court, nor can any legal case be filed.
According to government sources, the relevant authority needs to address the constitutional crisis and give the interim government the power to carry out the executive functions of the state in the current situation. This ordinance is being issued for that purpose, and the president will issue it. To be eligible for the positions of chief adviser or adviser, candidates must agree not to run in the elections for the 13th National Parliament or as public representatives in any local government institution.
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