History distorted with SC observation: Law minister

Law minister Anisul Huq said on Sunday the Supreme Court observation that declared the 16th amendment to the constitution illegal gave a distorted version of the country’s history, reports UNB.

"The SC observation says the country didn't achieve independence under the leadership of a single person...this observation is totally irrelevant in this regard ...and this is also contrary to the country's history... it's tantamount to the distortion of our history," he said.

The law minister came up with the remarks while addressing a press conference arranged by Dhaka Reporters’ Unity (DRU) at its auditorium in the capital.

The SC in its 16th amendment verdict observed, "No nation-no country is made of or by one person."

Anisul Huq said the government is yet to decide whether it will place a review petition regarding the verdict since it is now examining the full verdict of the Supreme Court.

As the SC had given a long verdict, he said, it will take time to scrutinise it to reach a decision whether a review petition will be placed or not.

The minister said if the Supreme Court gives any order to expunge the verdict, then the government will place a review petition to do so.

About Bangabandhu Awami Ainjibi Parishad's protest programmes against the SC judgment, he said any decision of staging demonstrations against court verdict is not expected at all, but the distortion of history made in the SC verdict is not expected either.

"Emotion is running very high, but its solution will come soon," he said.

Replying to a question whether the sweeping comments of parliament members on the SC verdict go against their oath, Anisul Huq said there could be discussions on the issue since the SC observation hurt the sentiment of many people.

"After all, the verdict was irrelevant. But, we always respect the rule and law and judiciary," he added.