Bangladesh withdraws 1,202 more ‘politically motivated’ cases filed during Awami League rule

ISLAMABAD: Bangladesh’s Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed on Tuesday announced that the government has approved the withdrawal of 1,202 additional cases described as politically motivated, filed against opposition leaders and activists during the 17-year rule of the Awami League, state media reported.

According to state-run Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS), an official message circulated to the media said the decision came after a review process examining allegations that the cases had been lodged to harass opposition figures and suppress dissent.

Earlier, the government had approved the withdrawal of 1,006 similar cases. With the latest decision, the total number of cases cleared for withdrawal has risen to 2,208, BSS reported.

Sources at the Home Ministry said the withdrawal process would proceed in line with existing legal procedures. Relevant authorities have been directed to take necessary steps to implement the decision.

The government said the initiative aims to ensure justice, reinforce democratic values, and restore public confidence in the country’s legal system, according to BSS.