Sangsad Bhaban, June 24 (UNB)-Independent member Fazlul Azim vehemently opposed the Speedy Trial Act as a ‘black law’ as Parliament on Thursday extended the enforcement period of the act to another two years till April 8, 2012 to try offences like snatching, extortion and creating terror.

Home Minister Sahara Khatun piloted the Law and Order Obstruction Offence (Speedy Trial) Bill 2010 which was passed by voice vote without much discussion in the absence of the opposition members.

In support of his contention, Azim said the ruling Awami League, while in opposition in 2002 had opposed a similar bill as ‘black law’. He said it is deplorable that after assuming office the Awami League proposed to extend the duration of the law.

Azim, who was a BNP lawmaker in 2002, said the purpose of the law has not been served as quick trial could not be held. Rather, he said cases under this act are pending for years together.

He alleged that the party in power abuses this act and general people are being harassed by this act.

Azim said there is no dearth of laws to deal with the crimes. He said laws are in place but there is no appropriate application of laws by the law enforcing agencies, which are being influenced by those in power.

As the Home Minister said, independent member Azim did not oppose the law when it was enacted in 2002. In reply Azim said this is the time to scrap all black laws. “We must learn from our mistakes,” he said.

Sahara said the extension of the law is required as 865 cases are under investigation and 1747 cases await disposal under the law.

The Speedy Trial Act was first introduced in 2002 to try the offences like extortion, impediment to traffic movement, damaging vehicles, movable and immovable property, snatching, creating situation of fear and chaos, obstruction to buying-selling of tender documents, intimidation etc.

Since the enactment of the law, it has been extended after every two years.