DHAKA : Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Md Asaduzzaman today said extrajudicial killings have almost come down to zero in the country.

"We can say that over the past few months under the present government, extrajudicial killings have almost come down to zero. As for enforced disappearances, whenever a reported case has come to our notice, we have taken it very seriously. I have internally instructed officials to maintain zero tolerance towards such incidents," he said.

The minister made the remarks while addressing as chief guest a consultation meeting on "Human Rights Violations and Victims' Access to Justice" at the CIRDAP auditorium in the capital this morning.

The law minister stressed the need for a transparent process in appointing judges, saying that an independent and credible judiciary can only be ensured if competent judges are appointed through a transparent process.

"The judiciary becomes weakened when judges are unable to stand firm and uphold their independence. Only when judges of integrity and competence are appointed can we have the independent and transparent judiciary that people expect," he added.

Referring to politically motivated cases, the law minister said the government has been working relentlessly to withdraw such cases and that the process has now reached its final stage.

He said the government is trying to break away from the cycle of political vindictiveness.

"Under the leadership of our Prime Minister, we believe we will gradually move forward with all necessary reforms. But we need a little more time," the minister said.

Replying to a question from journalists after the consultation meeting, the law minister said that under Article 123(2) of the Constitution, a new president must be elected within 90 days.

"Yesterday was July 24. We have time until October 24. Therefore, no situation has arisen that warrants convening a special session of Parliament," he said.

The minister said that, constitutionally, the next session of Parliament is due to be held within 60 days from July 15. "We hope the matter will be resolved during that session," he added.

Dr Tasneem Siddiqui, president of the human rights organisation Odhikar, chaired the consultation meeting, while ASM Nasir Uddin Elan, director of Odhikar, delivered the welcome address.

Former chairman of the National Human Rights Commission Justice Moinul Islam Chowdhury, Chief Prosecutor of the International Crimes Tribunal Md Aminul Islam, and Amar Desh Editor Dr Mahmudur Rahman addressed the programme as special guests.