DCs seek power for summary trial:Daily Sun

  Deputy Commissioners on Tuesday sought power for a summary trial in conducting mobile court drives. They came up with the demand at an open meeting with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, sources said, adding that some 25 DCs spoke on the occasion. The DCs have been demanding the power for five years, but their demand is now under the law ministry’s scrutiny. Wishing not to be named, a deputy commiss
ioner said that under the existing mobile-court law, there is no provision for punishing miscreants if they didn’t acknowledge crimes. Even, the drug dealers cannot be brought to book after arresting them red-handed. As a result, many criminals often get away scot-free. “That’s why we have placed our recommendations to make an amendment to the Mobile Court Act 2009 to ensure trial,” said the DC. In support of their proposal, they opined that summary trial is necessary for quick disposal of cases to avoid logjam of cases. They also alleged that the district administration even faces crisis of getting police personnel for conducting the mobile-court drives. They suggested forming a special unit of police to resolve the problem. “If we want to get police personnel for conducting drives, a demand letter has to be served to the Superintendent of Police...that’s why we often get late in many cases,” said the DC. The DCs also proposed for stopping political influence on appointing teachers and officers at private educational institutions. It is necessary to form a high-powered committee to bring transparency in appointment instead of managing committee, the DCs said, adding that they had been receiving allegations of irregularities the appointment process. “The eligible candidates are not appointed as the party-backed candidates get priority,” said the DC, adding that many qualified candidates had been deprived due to this ill practice. They also proposed setting up trauma centres besides the highways and increased vigil at border to stop illegal intrusion and drug smuggling. Sources said the premier heard the proposals and directed the cabinet secretary to take measures in this regard. Sources said the DCs identified appointment business at educational institutions as a major crisis at the field level. The quality of education has been questionable due to the appointment business, they said while meeting with the education minister Nurul Islam Nahid in the second session. They said besides the governing body, in some cases, ministers and lawmakers also engage in a contest for appointing their candidates. As a result, qualified teachers cannot be appointed and if such practice continues, the education sector will face a disaster. They proposed the minister for empowering the district administration in appointing teachers at private institutions. They also proposed keeping the educational institutions out of politics. In reply, the minister said the government has been working to set up a private commission like of PSC.