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Salahuddin Ahmed, a member of BNP’s Standing Committee, has announced that the party has agreed in principle to the proposal for expanding subordinate courts at the upazila level. He noted that in 1991, BNP had abolished upazila courts in line with the national sentiment at the time. However, considering the changing times and emerging national needs, the party has now endorsed the proposal for court expansion.Speaking to journalists after a meeting with the National Consensus Commission at the Foreign Service Academy’s Doyel Hall in Dhaka on Monday (July 7), Salahuddin Ahmed said, “Thirty-five years ago, there was no national objection to that decision. Currently, there are 67 courts, including various outposts and island regions, based on that decision. But times have changed, and we are undergoing reforms. New national demands have emerged, and BNP has agreed to this proposal.” The agenda of the commission’s meeting included the expansion of subordinate courts at the upazila level, the declaration of a state of emergency, and women’s representation. While the first two issues were discussed, the topic of women’s representation could not be addressed due to time constraints. On the issue of declaring a state of emergency, BNP has agreed in principle but emphasized the need for detailed discussions on protecting human rights during such periods. Salahuddin Ahmed stated, “The issue of protecting human rights during a state of emergency is extensive. We believe this should be discussed in the elected national parliament.” He further noted that political parties have proposed some additions to the court expansion plan and requested discussions with the High Court
