SANGSAD BHABAN, June 21, 2026 (BSS) - The government has so far withdrawn 23,865 politically motivated and harassment cases filed for political 
reasons, said Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Md. Asaduzzaman in parliament today.

He said this while replying to a starred tabled question from ruling party lawmaker Nilufar Chowdhury Moni (women seat-10) in the House.

The minister said the government does not have exact statistics on the number of allegedly false and politically motivated cases filed against leaders and 
activists of BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami and other opposition parties during the previous government.

"Political affiliation is not mentioned in the FIR at the time of filing a case. Therefore, it is not possible to determine the exact number of false 
and harassment cases filed against BNP and Jamaat leaders and activists across the country, and the government does not have specific information in 
this regard," he said.

However, citing information received from BNP's central office, Md. Asaduzzaman said, "A total of 142,983 false and harassment cases were filed 
against BNP leaders and activists between 2007 and January 11, 2025."

He added that the government does not possess statistics regarding the number of cases filed against Jamaat-e-Islami leaders and activists during what he 
termed the "fascist regime".

The minister said that after assuming office, the government initiated a process to withdraw politically motivated cases.

"On March 5, 2026, the government formed four-member committees in every district, headed by the respective District Magistrates, to recommend 
withdrawal of politically motivated harassment cases," he told the House.

He said the district committees examine applications for case withdrawal, FIRs, certified copies of charge sheets where applicable, and opinions of 
Public Prosecutors before making recommendations.

According to the minister, if a committee finds that a case was filed for political harassment, that there is no public interest in continuing the 
prosecution and that proceeding with the case would harm the interests of the state, it recommends withdrawal of the case to the government.

Md. Asaduzzaman further said, "To review the recommendations received from the district committees and take necessary action regarding case withdrawals, 
the government on March 8, 2026, formed a six-member Central Committee with the Law Minister as its convener."

He informed the Jatiya Sangsad that "a total of 23,865 politically motivated cases have so far been withdrawn" and added that efforts are continuing to 
withdraw the remaining eligible cases.