Abolishing the death penalty is not feasible in the current context, legal adviser Asif Nazrul said today (October 29).

“The death penalty is deeply rooted in Bangladesh’s legal system, stretching back over a century. There are dozens of ongoing trials of people accused of killing thousands of youths during the recent movement, making immediate abolition of the death penalty impractical,” he said. visiting the United Nations (UN) High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, during a meeting at his office.

He further emphasized the importance of aligning any significant legal changes with societal aspirations.

Asif Nazrul said that the United Nations Commission on Human Rights is actively involved in legal reforms to increase the acceptance of trials under the law of the International Criminal Court.

“They have also committed to providing support in areas such as forensic analysis, technical assistance and capacity building,” he added.

The counselor assured Volker Turk that justice will be done in these courts, stressing that the trials are conducted with fairness, not out of a desire for revenge.

“Everything here is transparent. Anyone is welcome to observe the process,” he said.

Asked if the election was discussed, legal counsel said it was not a topic of conversation at the meeting.