Stronger police support to run mobile courts

Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan yesterday assured the deputy commissioners of stronger police support for mobile courts.

He gave the assurance when the deputy commissioner of Chandpur asked for at least 10 law enforcers, headed by a sub-inspector, for each mobile court during a meeting between the ministry and the DCs.

“DCs will be provided with police personnel whenever they ask for them for operating mobile courts. They will have Ansar personnel as well,” Asaduzzaman told reporters after the meeting.

The annual DC conference that began on Tuesday ended yesterday. During that time, the DCs met President Abdul Hamid, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, ministers, state ministers and deputy ministers.

A total of 321 proposals were brought forward by the DCs.

Of them, the major ones include retaining the executive magistrates' power to run mobile courts, which was declared unconstitutional by the High Court in May, and allowing the DCs to go on UN peacekeeping missions.

During yesterday's meeting, the home minister sought the DC's assistance in maintaining law and order in the country. He also directed them to continue working in coordination with law enforcement agencies.

Later, Asaduzzaman asked the DCs to work for the rehabilitation of drug peddlers on their surrender for helping them return to normal life.

Sources at the meeting said, the DC of Feni proposed strengthening border patrolling to prevent drugs smuggling into the country while the divisional commissioner of Rajshahi suggested constructing ring roads and installing lights to ensure security in areas along the border.

Earlier, during a meeting with the law ministry, the DCs reiterated their demand for retaining the executive magistrates' power to run mobile courts.

In reply, Law Minister Anisul Huq said he would not elaborate on the issue as it was pending court. He, however, assured the DCs that something “positive” awaited them.

Asked after meeting, the minister said, “I cannot comment on this issue as is is currently pending with the Supreme Court."

In a judgement on May 12, the High Court observed that executive magistrates could not run mobile courts that used to try a number of offences, including illegal assembly, public nuisance, unauthorised connection of electricity, water and gas, and cheating at examination centres.

Later, the Appellate Division of the SC stayed the HC verdict on few occasions, allowing the executive magistrates to run the mobile courts. On July 18, the apex court extended the stay order for two weeks.