Anti-Terrorism Act, 2009
Counter-terrorism legislation in Bangladesh
- 1 min read
- 2 chapters
Related on Lably
Through Bangladesh, South Asia and Capital punishment
History
The Law was formulated by the Grand Alliance government led by Bangladesh Awami League in 2009. The law was given retrospective effect from 11 June 2008. The law was designed to target terrorists and financial institutions used by them. The law introduced a stipulation that the Bangladesh Police must conclude an active terrorist investigation within 60 days.
The law was subsequently amended in 2012 and 2013. In 2012, it was amended to allow for capital punishment for certain offences under the Act. In 2013, it was amended to make admissible the use of online communications such as social media as evidence in court.
Sign in to keep reading
One more chapter is free with a Lably account.
Criticism
Human rights group, Odhikar, has called for the law to be repealed describing the act as a tool for repression to those opposed to the government. Cases under this act need government approval for trials to begin, which are sometimes delayed, thus effectively placing the cases in legal limbo.