Bangladesh’s Law Commission has begun work on the proposed Criminal Offences Sentencing (Principles and Procedures) Act, 2026, aiming to strengthen the rule of law, transparency in criminal justice and rationality in sentencing. Justice Zinat Ara, chairperson of the Law Commission, announced the initiative at a seminar on the recommended draft bill at the Rangpur Chief Judicial Magistrate Court conference room on July 26.

Justice Zinat Ara said the state has a fundamental duty to uphold the rule of law, maintain order and ensure an effective justice system for resolving disputes. She said sentencing requires clear principles and procedures that take account of the type, nature and circumstances of offences. The commission is assessing the feasibility of the legislation and gathering views from relevant groups.

Judges, lawyers, law-enforcement members, media workers, NGO representatives and other stakeholders attended the seminar, chaired by Law Commission Secretary Syed Azad Subhani. Participants discussed provisions of the draft and proposed measures to improve it and increase its effectiveness. Organisers said the feedback would be reviewed for necessary additions and amendments before a final draft is submitted to the government, followed by efforts to introduce it in parliament as a bill.