Dhaka, July 10, 2025 —
theVoice News Desk
In a major step toward reforming the country’s criminal justice system, President Mohammed Shahabuddin of Bangladesh has promulgated a new ordinance titled The Code of Criminal Procedure (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025.
The ordinance introduces Section 173A to the existing Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898, allowing for interim investigation reports to facilitate the discharge of accused individuals when evidence against them is insufficient.The Ministry of Law, Justice, and Parliamentary Affairs issued a gazette notification on Thursday confirming the enactment. Since Parliament is not currently in session, the President exercised his authority under Article 93(1) of the Constitution to promulgate the ordinance.Key Features of the New Section 173A:1. Interim Investigation Report:Senior police officials such as Police Commissioners, Superintendents of Police, or officers of equivalent rank may now direct investigating officers to submit an interim report at any stage of an ongoing investigation.
This ensures oversight and transparency in the progress of investigations.2. Discharge of the Accused:If the interim report finds that the evidence against a particular accused is insufficient, the supervising officer can direct that the report be submitted to a Magistrate or Tribunal. Upon satisfaction, the court may discharge the individual without waiting for the final investigation report.
This provision aims to immediately release innocent persons from legal harassment and unwarranted detention.3. Provision for Re-Inclusion:Importantly, the discharge based on an interim report is not final.
If subsequent investigation yields credible and sufficient evidence against the discharged individual, they can be re-included in the case in the final police report under Section 173.Legal experts have praised the reform as a progressive step toward justice, emphasizing that it will reduce the prolonged suffering of innocent individuals caught in legal limbo and ease the burden on the judiciary.
The ordinance comes into effect immediately upon its publication.This marks a significant departure from previous procedures, where individuals could remain entangled in the justice system for years even in the absence of substantial evidence. With this ordinance, Bangladesh sets a precedent for safeguarding fundamental rights while maintaining the integrity of criminal investigations.
