Al Helal Voice

Reader's Question : Can a justice system rooted in colonial legacy truly serve a free nation? In Bangladesh, the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) remains largely unchanged from the one inherited during British colonial rule in 1898. While justice systems around the world have embraced modernity, transparency, and technology, Bangladesh’s legal procedures still reflect outdated practices, often enabling delay, corruption, and misuse. In this blog, we explore how the CrPC is misapplied in Bangladesh, why urgent reforms are needed, and how other nations—like the UK, Canada, Germany, and Japan—have restructured their criminal justice systems for speed, fairness, and accountability.        "Eleven years, one verdict still missing." The Criminal Procedure Code in Bangladesh: Misuse, Reform Needs, and Global Comparisons. 1. Introduction:  A System Trapped in the Past Bangladesh’s Criminal Procedure Code, 1898 (CrPC) is one of the oldest pieces of legislation still in act...

"How do nations successfully transition from long-standing authoritarian regimes to vibrant democracies? What lessons can Bangladesh learn from global journeys of freedom and reform?” Introduction The shift from authoritarian rule to democratic governance stands as one of the most profound political transformations of the modern world. Across continents and cultures, countries have wrestled with entrenched autocracies and systemic oppression to forge societies rooted in human rights, political participation, rule of law, and pluralism. These transformations are complex, often marked by struggle, negotiation, sacrifice, and institutional rebuilding. This article explores notable global examples of transitions from dictatorship to democracy, distilling lessons that resonate universally. It then turns to Bangladesh, tracing its own turbulent journey through military rule, fragile democratic phases, and the ongoing challenges of deepening democracy. Special attention is paid to the re...

Bangladesh’s democratic evolution from its independence in 1971 to the present has been a turbulent journey marked by election-related violence, political shortsightedness, and recurring crises. This blog explores key domestic events and controversies, from early political instability and caretaker government debates to contemporary electoral challenges. Alongside, it examines global examples of electoral violence and peaceful democratic transitions to draw lessons that may guide Bangladesh toward political stability and credible elections. Introduction Democracy is often hailed as the rule of the people — peaceful, inclusive, and just. But the journey toward this ideal is rarely smooth. For Bangladesh, a country born through a bloody war of independence in 1971, democracy’s path has been strewn with political strife, electoral violence, and systemic challenges. Elections—the very foundation of democracy—have often been arenas of violence and distrust rather than peaceful expression. T...