Political parties struck a deal on Thursday after heated talks about court reforms. Around 30 groups hammered out agreements on two major changes to the justice system. The National Consensus Commission brought together parties like BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami for the ninth day of discussions. Professor Ali Riaz led the meeting at the Foreign Service Academy. The groups decided to spread High Court power across the country.
Every division will have permanent High Court benches under the new plan. The Supreme Court will stay put in the capital city. Chief justices will help decide where to place the new court locations. Some parties wanted benches only in older cities but everyone agreed to cover all divisions. The move aims to bring justice closer to people outside Dhaka.
Presidential pardons also got a major overhaul from the political teams. The current system lets presidents grant mercy without asking victims what they think. All parties agreed that families hurt by crimes should have a say before any pardon happens. The constitution needs changes to Article 49 to make this work. Past governments abused the pardon power for political gains.
The commission could not agree on one proposal for a six-person board to handle pardons. Eighteen tough issues still need more talks before any final decisions. The groups hope to finish their July Charter before the month ends. Emergency powers remained unsettled after Thursday's session.
Every division will have permanent High Court benches under the new plan. The Supreme Court will stay put in the capital city. Chief justices will help decide where to place the new court locations. Some parties wanted benches only in older cities but everyone agreed to cover all divisions. The move aims to bring justice closer to people outside Dhaka.
Presidential pardons also got a major overhaul from the political teams. The current system lets presidents grant mercy without asking victims what they think. All parties agreed that families hurt by crimes should have a say before any pardon happens. The constitution needs changes to Article 49 to make this work. Past governments abused the pardon power for political gains.
The commission could not agree on one proposal for a six-person board to handle pardons. Eighteen tough issues still need more talks before any final decisions. The groups hope to finish their July Charter before the month ends. Emergency powers remained unsettled after Thursday's session.
