Law advisor Professor Dr. Asif Nazrul stated that judges, not he, are responsible for the bail granted to some Awami League activists accused of terrorism. He made the remarks on Saturday, January 10, at a dialogue on political parties, human rights, and freedom of expression held at the CIRDAP auditorium in Dhaka. Nazrul said that about 90 percent of the bail orders related to the July cases came from the High Court, and any error in granting bail was the judges’ responsibility.

He argued that many judges were appointed during what he termed the Awami League’s fascist period and that their removal falls under the authority of the Chief Justice through the Supreme Judicial Council. Nazrul emphasized that neither he nor the law minister has the power to remove or act against High Court judges. He criticized attempts to place blame on him, saying such actions serve political agendas and generate online attention and financial gain.

Calling for self-reflection, Nazrul urged everyone to practice self-criticism, describing it as a key virtue in Islam.