DHAKA: The cabinet has given approval in principle and final nod to the draft of the Law and Order Disruption (Speedy Trial) (Amendment) Act- 2019.

Although the law was to expire in April this year, the law has been extended for five years due to some very sensitive cases remain pending under the law.

With Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in the chair, the cabinet approved the draft of the law in its regular meeting at the Prime Minister's Office on Monday (May 27).

After the meeting, Cabinet Secretary Mohammad Shafiul Alam briefed the media.

He said that this law has expired in April. The law will continue for five more years till 2024.

On February 17, 2014 the law has been extended for five more years.

Earlier on June 5, 2017 the cabinet approved in principle the draft of "The Law and Order Disruption (Speedy Trial) (Amendment) Act-2017" increasing the punishment up to seven-year jail sentence for law and order disruption-related crimes.

According to the law, disruption to vehicular movement, blocking of roads, tender manipulation, issuing threats, extortion, mugging, terrorising people and vandalism of public properties will be treated as offences.

The law was amended in 2004, 2006, 2012 and 2014.

BDST: 1625 HRS, MAY 27, 2019
RS/SMS