সন্ত্রাস বিরোধী আইন, ২০০৯ ইংরেজী
বাংলাদেশ জাতীয় সংসদ কর্তৃক গৃহীত সন্ত্রাস বিরোধী আইন, ২০০৯ ২৪ ফেব্রুয়ারী, ২০০৯ তারিখে মহামান্য রাষ্ট্রপতির সম্মতি লাভের মাধ্যমে বিগত ১১ জুন, ২০০৮ হতে কার্যকর হয়েছে। এই আইন কার্যকর হবার সঙ্গে সঙ্গে সন্ত্রাস বিরোধী অধ্যাদেশ, ২০০৮ রহিত করা হয়েছে। বাংলাদেশ গেজেটের (অতিরিক্ত সংখ্যা) মাধ্যমে জারীকৃত এই আইনটির ইংরেজী ভার্সন সকলের অবগতির জন্য তুলে ধরা হলো।
Anti Terrorism Act, 2009
Act No. 16 of 2009
[24 February, 2009, 12 Falgun, 1415]
An Act to make provisions for the prevention of certain terrorist activities, effective punishment thereof and the matters ancillary thereto.
Whereas it is expedient and necessary to make provisions for the prevention of certain terrorist activities, effective punishment thereof and the matters ancillary thereto;
Therefore, it is hereby enacted as follows: –
First Chapter
Preliminary
ব্যাংক, ব্যাংকার, ব্যাংকিং, অর্থনীতি ও ফাইন্যান্স বিষয়ক গুরুত্বপূর্ণ খবর, প্রতিবেদন, বিশেষ কলাম, বিনিয়োগ/ লোন, ডেবিট কার্ড, ক্রেডিট কার্ড, ফিনটেক, ব্যাংকের নিয়োগ বিজ্ঞপ্তি ও বাংলাদেশ ব্যাংকের সার্কুলারগুলোর আপডেট পেতে আমাদের অফিসিয়াল ফেসবুক পেজ 'ব্যাংকিং নিউজ', ফেসবুক গ্রুপ 'ব্যাংকিং ইনফরমেশন', 'লিংকডইন', 'টেলিগ্রাম চ্যানেল', 'ইন্সটাগ্রাম', 'টুইটার', 'ইউটিউব', 'হোয়াটসঅ্যাপ চ্যানেল' এবং 'গুগল নিউজ'-এ যুক্ত হয়ে সাথে থাকুন। |
1. Short title, extent and commencement
(1) This Act may be called the Anti Terrorism Act, 2009.
(2) It extends to the whole of Bangladesh, and it applies also to persons on ships and Aircraft registered in Bangladesh, where ever they may be.
(3) It shall be deemed to have come into force on 11 June, 2008.
2. Definitions
In this Act, unless there is anything repugnant in the subject or context,–
(1) “offence” means an offence punishable under this Act;
(2) “arms” means arms mentioned in section 4 of the Arms Act, 1878 (Act No. XI of 1878), and shall also include all types of atomic, chemical and biological weapons;
(3) “court” means the court of a Sessions Judge or, as the case may be, the court of an Additional Sessions Judge;
(3A) “Convention” means the United Nations conventions, treaties and protocols included in the annexure- A of this Act duly ratified by the government of Bangladesh and the United Nations conventions, treaties and protocols that may be included from time to time in the annexure A by the Government through Official Gazette Notification.
(4) “Imprisonment” means imprisonment of any description mentioned in section 53 of the Penal Code;
(5) “Code of Criminal Procedure” or “Code” means the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898 (Act No. V of 1898);
(6) “Schedule” means the Schedule to this Act;
(7) “Penal Code” means the Penal Code, 1860 (Act No. XLV of 1860);
(8) “inflammable substance” means any substance which normally has a high propensity to cause or to intensify or to spread fire, such as- octane, petrol, diesel, compressed natural gas (CNG), gun powder, and shall also include any other inflammable substances;
(9) “Bangladesh Bank” means the Bangladesh Bank established under the Bangladesh Bank Order, 1972 (P.O. No. 127 of 1972);
(10) “bank” means a bank company defined in section 5(o) of the Bank Companies Act, 1991 (Act No. 14 of 1991), and shall also include any institution established as a bank under any other Act or Ordinance;]
(11) “Judge” means a Sessions Judge, Additional Sessions Judge or, as the case may be, a Judge of the Anti Terrorism Special Tribunal;
(11A) “Foreigner” means a “foreigner‟ as defined in Section 2(a) of Foreigners Act, 1946 (Act No. XXXI of 1946)
(12) “Special Tribunal” means any Anti Terrorism Special Tribunal constituted under section 28;
(13) “explosive substance” means –
(a) gun powder, nitro-glycerin, dynamite, gun-cotton, blasting powder, fulminate mercury or any other metal, coloured fire and any other substances used or manufactured to create an explosive or firework effect whether or not similar to the substances mentioned above; and
(b) any material used to make explosives and any machine, equipment, machinery or thing including any part of similar machine, equipment or machinery used to create an explosion with the help of any explosive material, or with the intention of conversion or providing assistance to create an explosion, and shall also include fuse, rocket, percussion caps, detonator, cartridge and any other ammunition;
(14) “property” means, whether in or outside the country, –
(i) any type of funds or assets, corporeal or incorporeal, moveable or immoveable, tangible or intangible, however acquired, and legal documents or instruments in any form, including electronic or digital, evidencing title to, or interest in, such assets or funds and any interest, dividends or other income on or value accruing from or generated by such funds or assets.
(ii) cash, any other type of financial assets, economic resources, whether tangible or intangible, movable or immovable, however acquired, and legal documents or instruments in any form, including electronic or digital, evidencing title to, or interest in, such funds or other assets, including, but not limited to, bank credits, travelers cheques, bank cheques, money orders, shares, securities, bonds, drafts, or letters of credit, and any interest, dividends or other income on or value accruing from or generated by such funds or other assets;
(14A) “terrorist person” means any natural person who commits an offence under section 6(1), 10, 11, 12 or 13;
(14B) “terrorist entity” means any entity that commits an offence under section 6(1), 10, 11, 12 or 13;
(14C) “terrorist property” means property that –
(i) has been or is being used, or is intended for use, in the commission of a terrorist activity under this Law, or a corresponding offence under a law of a foreign State;
(ii) is the subject of such a terrorist activity;
(iii) is proceeds of terrorism i.e the property is derived from or obtained, directly or indirectly, through the commission of such a terrorist activity;
(iv) has been collected, by any means, directly or indirectly, with the intension that the property should be used for the purpose of a terrorist activity or for supporting a terrorist or a terrorist entity, group or organization;
(v) is owned or controlled directly or indirectly by a terrorist, terrorist entity, group or organization and property of persons and entities acting on behalf of, or at the direction of a terrorist, terrorist entity, group or organization, including funds derived or generated from property owned or controlled directly or indirectly by such persons and associated persons and entities, groups or organizations.
(14D) “Cooperative Society” means the institution authorized or registered under the Cooperative Societies Act, 2001 (Act No. XLVII of 2001);
(15) “Evidence Act” means the Evidence Act, 1872 (Act No. I of 1872);
(16) “suspicious transaction” means such transaction –
(i) which is different from usual transactions;
(ii) which invokes presumption that –
(a) it is the proceeds of an offence under this Act,
(b) it relates to finances of terrorist activities, a terrorist person or entity;
(iii) which is any other transactions or an attempt for transactions delineated in the instructions issued by the Bangladesh Bank from time to time for the purposes of this Act;
(17) “entity” means any organization consisting of one or more persons, including any legal entity, statutory body, commercial or non-commercial enterprise, group, partnership business, cooperative society;
(18) “financial institution” means a financial institution defined in section 2(b) of the Financial Institution Act, 1993 (Act No. XXVII of 1993);
(19) “insurer” means an insurer defined in section 2(25) of the Insurance Act, 2010 (Act No. XIII of 2010);
(20) “reporting agency” means –
(a) bank;
(b) financial institution;
(c) insurer;
(d) money changer;
(e) any company or institution which remits or transfers money or money value;
(f) any other institution carrying out its business with the approval of the Bangladesh Bank;
(g) (i) stock dealer and stock broker;
(ii) portfolio manager and merchant banker;
(iii) security custodian;
(iv) asset manager;
(h) (i) non-profit organization;
(ii) non government organization;
(iii) cooperative society;
(i) real estate developer;
(j) dealer in precious metals or stones;
(k) trust and company service provider;
(l) lawyer, notary, other legal professionals and accountants;
(m) any other institution declared as such by the Bangladesh Bank from time to time with the approval of the Government;
(21) “money changer” means a person or organization approved by the Bangladesh Bank under section 3 of the Foreign Exchange Regulation Act, 1947 (Act No. VII of 1947) for dealing in foreign exchange transactions;
(22) (a) “stock dealer and stock broker” means an institution defined respectively in rules 2(i) and 2(j) of the Securities and Exchange Commission (Stock Dealer, Stock Broker and Authorized Representative) Rules, 2000;
(b) “portfolio manager and merchant banker” means an institution defined respectively in rules 2(f) and 2(j) of the Securities and Exchange Commission (Merchant Banker and Portfolio Manager) Rules, 1996;
(c) “security custodian” means an institution defined in the rule 2(j) of the Securities and Exchange Commission (Security Custodial Services) Rules, 2003;
(d) “asset manager” means an institution defined in rule 2(s) of the Securities and Exchange Commission (Mutual Fund) Rules, 2001;
(23) “non-profit organization” means an institution licensed under section 28 of the Company Act, 1994 (Act No. XVIII of 1994);
(24) “non government organization” means the institution authorized or registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860 (Act No. XXI of 1860), Voluntary Social Welfare Agencies (Registration and Control) Ordinance, 1961 (Ordinance No. XLVI of 1961), Foreign Donations (Voluntary Activities) Regulation Ordinance, 1978 (Ordinance No. XLVI of 1978), Foreign Contributions (Regulation) Ordinance, 1982 (Ordinance No. XXXI of 1982) and the Microcredit Regulatory Authority Act, 2006 (Act No. XXXII of 2006) which-
(a) receives fund (loan, grant, deposit) from local sources or provide fund to others; and/or
(b) receives any kind of foreign donation or loan or grant;
(25) “Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit (BFIU)” means the Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit established under section 24(1) of the Money Laundering Prevention Act, 2012;
(26) “material support” means to provide money, service or any other property or any other assistance to any person or entity by any person or entity by which terrorist activities mentioned in this Act have been committed or may be committed;
(27) “High Court Division” means the High Court Division of the Bangladesh Supreme Court;
(28) “real estate developer” means any real estate developer or their officers or staff or agents who are engaged in constructing and buying and selling of land, home or house, commercial building and flat etc. as defined in section 2(15) of the Real Estate Development and Management Act, 2010 (Act No. XLVIII of 2010);
(29) “trust and company services provider” means any person or business enterprise that is not defined in any other law and provides any of the following services to any third party:
(i) to act as an agent for formation of a legal entity;
(ii) to act as a director, secretary of any legal entity or to appoint someone or to act as a partner in a partnership business or to perform any other similar responsibilities;
(iii) to act as a registered agent for any legal entity;
(iv) to act as a trustee of an express trust to appoint someone;
(v) to act as a nominee shareholder or as a director on behalf of another person or to appoint someone;
(30) “public security” means to ensure security of the life and the property of any person or group of people.
3. Applicability of other words and expressions
(1) The words and expressions used but not defined in this Act, shall have the same meaning as provided in the Code of Criminal Procedure, [existing laws relating to prevention of money laundering,] or as the case may be, the Penal Code.
(2) The general provisions of the Penal Code relating to the punishment of offences and liabilities shall, in so far as practicable, apply to the offences under this Act, unless they are not inconsistence with the other provisions of this Act.
4. Act to override other laws
Notwithstanding anything contained in the Code of Criminal Procedure or any other law for the time being in force, the provisions of this Act shall prevail.
5. Extra-territorial application
(1) If any person or entity commits an offence within Bangladesh from outside of Bangladesh which, if committed inside of Bangladesh by the same person or entity, would have been punishable under this Act, the said offence shall be deemed to have been committed in Bangladesh and the provisions of this Act shall apply to the said person or entity and the offence.
(2) If any person or entity from Bangladesh commits an offence outside of Bangladesh, which if committed within Bangladesh by the said person or entity would have been punishable under this Act, the offence shall be deemed to have been committed in Bangladesh and the provisions of this Act shall apply to the said person or entity and the offence.
(3) If any person commits an offence in any foreign country and then take shelter in Bangladesh which, if committed in Bangladesh would have been punishable under this Act, the said offence shall be deemed to have been committed in Bangladesh and the provisions of this Act shall apply to the said person if he cannot be extradited to a foreign state having jurisdiction over the said offence.
Second Chapter
Offences and punishment
6. Terrorist activities
(1) If any person, entity or foreigner-
(a) for the purposes of threatening the unity, integration, public security or sovereignty of Bangladesh by creating panic among the public or a section of the public with a view to compelling the Government or any entity or any person to do any act or preventing them from doing any act–
(i) kills, causes grievous hurt, confines or kidnaps any person or attempts to do the same, or damages or attempts to damage any property of any person, entity or the State;
(ii) abets or instigates any person to murder, injure seriously, confine or kidnap any person, or abets or instigates to damage any property of any person or entity or the State; or
(iii) damages or tries to damage the property of any other person, entity or the state; or
(iv) conspires or abets or instigates to damage the property of any other person, entity or the state; or
(v) uses or keeps in possession any explosive substance, inflammable substance and arms for the purposes of sub-clauses (i), (ii), (iii) and (iv);
(b) with an intent to disrupt security of or to cause damage to the property of any foreign State, commits or attempts to commit or instigates or conspires or abets an offence mentioned under section 6(1) (a) sub-section (i), (ii), (iii), (iv) or (v);
(c) for creating panic among the public or a section of the public with a view to compelling any international organization to do any act or preventing them from doing any act, commit or attempts to commit or instigates or conspires or abets to commit an offence mentioned under section 6(1) (a) sub-section (i), (ii) & (iii);
(d) knowingly uses or possesses any terrorist property;
(e) abets, instigates, conspires to do or commits or attempts to commit an offence described in the UN conventions included in the Schedule-1 of this Act;
(f) commits any other act intended to cause death or serious bodily injury to a civilian, or to any other person not taking an active part in the hostilities in a situation of armed conflict, when the purpose of such act, by its nature or context, is to intimidate a population, or to compel a government or an international organization to do or to abstain from doing any act;
then the person, entity or foreigner shall commit the offence of “terrorist activities”;
(2) Under section 6(1)(a), if any person or foreigner-
(a) commits offence under subsection (i), the person shall be punished with death or imprisonment for life and in addition to that a fine may also be imposed;
(b) commits offence under subsection (ii), the person shall be punished with imprisonment for life or a rigorous imprisonment not exceeding 14 (fourteen) years but not less than 4(four) years, and in addition to that a fine may also be imposed;
(c) commits offence under subsection (iii), the person shall be punished with imprisonment for life or a rigorous imprisonment not exceeding 14 (fourteen) years but not less than 4(four) years, and in addition to that a fine may also be imposed;
(d) commits offence under subsection (iv), the person shall be punished with a rigorous imprisonment not exceeding 14 (fourteen) years but not less than 4(four) years, and in addition to that a fine may also be imposed;
(e) commits offence under subsection (v), the person shall be punished with imprisonment for life or a rigorous imprisonment not exceeding 14 (fourteen) years but not less than 4(four) years, and in addition to that a fine may also be imposed;
(3) If any person or foreigner commits terrorist activities under section (b), (c), (d), (e) or (f) of subsection 6(1), the person shall be punished with imprisonment for life or a rigorous imprisonment not exceeding 14 (fourteen) years but not less than 4(four) years, and in addition to that a fine may also be imposed;
(4) If any entity commits the offence of terrorist activities, then-
(a) steps shall be taken against the entity in accordance with section 18 of this Act and in addition to that a fine of taka 50 (fifty) lac or thrice the value of the property involved with the offence, whichever is greater; and
(b) the head of that entity whether he is designated as Chairman, Managing Director, Chief Executive or by whatever name called, shall be punished with an imprisonment not exceeding 20 (twenty) years but not less than 4 (four) years and in addition to that a fine of taka 20 (twenty) lac or twice the value of the property involved with the offence, whichever is greater, unless he is able to prove that the said offence was committed without his knowledge or he had tried utmost to prevent the commission of the said offence;
7. Offence of Terrorist Financing
(1) If any person or entity willfully provides, receives, collects or makes arrangements for money, service or any other property, whether from legitimate or illegitimate source, by any
means, directly or indirectly, with the intention that, in full or in part
(a) it will be used to carry out terrorist activity;
(b) it will be used for any purposes by terrorist person or entity or in the knowledge that they are to be used by terrorist person or entity; the said person or entity shall commit the offence of terrorist financing.
(2) Conviction for terrorist financing shall not depend on any requirement that the fund, services or any other property mentioned in subsection (1) were actually used to carry out or direct or attempt to carry out a terrorist act or be linked to a specific terrorist act.
(3) If any person is found guilty of any of the offences mentioned in sub-sections (1), the person shall be punished with an imprisonment for a term not exceeding 20 (twenty) years but not less than 4 (four) years, and in addition to that, a fine may be imposed equal to twice the value of the property involved with the offence or taka 10(ten) lac, whichever is greater.
(4) If any entity is found guilty of any of the offences mentioned in the sub-sections (1)-
(a) steps may be taken in accordance with section 18 and in addition to that a fine may be imposed equal to thrice the value of the property involved with the offence or taka 50 (fifty) lacs, whichever is greater; and
(b) The head of such entity, whether he is designated as Chairman, Managing Director, Chief Executive or any other name, shall be punished with an imprisonment for a term not exceeding 20 (twenty) years but not less than four years and in addition to that a fine may be imposed equal to twice of the value of the property involved with the offence or taka 20 (twenty) lac, whichever is greater, unless he is able to prove that the said offence was committed without his knowledge or he had tried utmost to prevent the commission of the said offence.
8. Membership of a proscribed entity
If any person is or claims to be a member of a prohibited entity under section 18, he shall commit an offence and be punished with an imprisonment for a term not exceeding 6 (six) months, or a fine, or with both.
9. Supporting any proscribed entity
(1) If any person requests or invites someone to support any entity proscribed under section 18 or arranges, directs or assists to organize a meeting, or makes a speech in a meeting with
intent to support that entity, expedite or encourage its activities, he shall commit an offence.
(2) If any person makes a speech in a meeting or disseminates any information through radio or television or any print or electronic media asking for supporting a proscribed organization or with intent to facilitating its activities, he shall commit an offence.
(3) If any person is found guilty of any of the offences under sub-sections (1) or (2), he shall be punished with an imprisonment for a term not exceeding 7 (seven) years but not less than 2 (two) years, and in addition to that a fine may be imposed.
10. Punishment for criminal conspiracy of committing an offence
If any person does criminal conspiracy for committing an offence under this Act, he shall commit an offence and shall be punished with an imprisonment for a term not exceeding two thirds of the maximum punishment prescribed for that offence, or a fine, or with both; and if
the prescribed punishment for that offence is death, the punishment for the offence shall be imprisonment for life or imprisonment for a term not exceeding 14 (fourteen) years, but not less than 4 (four) years.
11. Punishment for attempting to commit an offence
(1) If any person or entity attempts to commit an offence under this Act the person or entity shall commits an offence and the person or the head of the entity, whether he is designated as Chairman, Managing Director, Chief Executive or any other name, shall be punished with an imprisonment for a term not exceeding two thirds of the maximum punishment prescribed for that offence, or a fine, or with both; and if the prescribed punishment for that offence is death, the punishment for the offence shall be imprisonment for life or imprisonment for a term not exceeding 14 (fourteen) years, but not less than 4 (four) years; and in addition to that actions may be taken under section 18.
12. Punishment for aid and abetment of an offence
If any person or entity, to commit any offence punishable under this Act,-
(i) aids or abets; or
(ii) participates as an accomplice; or
(iii) organizes or directs others; or
(iv) contributes;
the person or entity shall commit an offence and the person or the head of the entity, whether he is designated as Chairman, Managing Director, Chief Executive or any other name, shall be punished with an imprisonment for a term not exceeding two thirds of the maximum punishment prescribed for that offence, or a fine, or with both; and if the prescribed punishment for that offence is death, the punishment for the offence shall be imprisonment for life or imprisonment for a term not exceeding 14 (fourteen) years, but not less 4 (four) years; and in addition to that actions may be taken under section 18 against the relevant entity, group or organization.
13. Punishment for instigating terrorist activities
If any person, by his activities or participation, prepares or distributes any document, or by transmitting any information through any print or electronic [or any other] media, or through any apparatus, assistance or technology or training, assists any person or entity knowing that the said document, apparatus, assistance or technology or training shall be used in committing any offence under this Act or any such person or entity shall use the same for committing similar offences, he shall be deemed to have instigated terrorist activities; and he shall be punished with an imprisonment for a term not exceeding two thirds of the maximum punishment prescribed for that offence, or a fine, or with both; and if the prescribed punishment for that offence is death, then the punishment for the offence shall be imprisonment for life or imprisonment for a term not exceeding 14 (fourteen) years, but not less than 4 (four) years.
14. Punishment for providing shelter to an offender
(1) If any person, knowing that another person committed an offence under this Act or having reasonable grounds for believing the person to be an offender, provides shelter to or keeps in hiding that person with intent to protect him from the punishment, he, –
(a) if the punishment of such offence is death, shall be punished with an imprisonment for a term not exceeding 5 (five) years and in addition to that a fine may be imposed; or
(b) if the punishment of that offence is imprisonment for life or imprisonment for any other term, shall be punished for imprisonment for a term not exceeding 3 (three) years and in addition to that a fine may be imposed.
(2) The provisions of this section shall not apply to the case where the offence of providing shelter or keeping in hiding mentioned in sub-section (1) is committed by husband, wife, son, daughter, father or mother.
(3) The provisions of sub-section (1) shall apply to the case where the offence of providing shelter is committed by any entity represented by its Chairman, Managing Director, Chief Executive or any other name, unless he is able to prove that the said offence was committed without his knowledge or he had tried utmost to prevent the commission of such offence.
Third Chapter
Powers of Bangladesh Bank
15. Powers of Bangladesh Bank
(1) Bangladesh Bank may take necessary steps to prevent and identify any transaction carried out by any reporting agency with intent to commit an offence under this Act and for this purpose it shall have the following powers and authority, namely:-
(a) to call for a report relating to any suspicious transaction from any reporting agency, analyze or review the same and to collect additional information relating thereto for the purpose of analyzing or reviewing the same and maintain record or database of them and, as the case may be, provide with the said information or report to the police or other respective law enforcement agencies for taking necessary actions;
(b) if there are reasonable grounds to suspect that a transaction is connected to terrorist activities, to issue a written order to the respective reporting agency to suspend or freeze transactions of that relevant account for a period not exceeding 30 (thirty) days and, if it appears necessary to reveal correct information relating to transactions of the said account, such suspension or freezing order may be extended for an additional term not exceeding 6 (six) months by 30 (thirty) days at a time;
(c) to monitor and supervise the activities of reporting agency;
(d) to give directions to the reporting agencies to take preventive steps to prevent financing of terrorist activities and proliferation of weapons of mass destructions (WMD);
(e) to monitor the compliance of reporting agencies and to carry out on-site inspection of the reporting agencies for fulfilling any purpose of this Act; and
(f) to provide training to officers and employees of the reporting agencies for the purpose of identification of suspicious transactions and prevention of financing of terrorist activities.
(2) Bangladesh Bank, on identification of a reporting agency or its customer as being involved in a suspicious transaction connected to financing of terrorist activities, shall inform the same to the police or appropriate law enforcement agency and provide all necessary cooperation to facilitate their inquiries and investigations into the matter.
(3) If the offence is committed in another country or trial of an offence is pending in another country, Bangladesh Bank shall take steps to seize the accounts of any person or entity upon request of the foreign state or pursuant to any international, regional or bilateral agreement, United Nations conventions ratified by the Government of Bangladesh or respective resolutions of the United Nations Security Council.
(4) The fund seized under sub-section (3) shall be subject to disposal by the concerned court or in pursuant to the concerned agreements, conventions or resolutions adopted by the United Nations Security Council.
(5) The power and responsibilities of Bangladesh Bank under the provision of this Act shall be exercised by Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit (BFIU) and all the governmental, semi-governmental, autonomous bodies or any other relevant institutions or organizations shall provide information requested under this Act or, as the case may be, spontaneously provide information to the Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit.
(6) Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit shall, on request or, as the cases may be, spontaneously provide information relating to terrorist activities or financing of terrorist activities to financial intelligence units of other countries or any other similar foreign counterparts.
(7) For the purpose of investigation relating to financing of terrorist activities, the law enforcement agencies shall have the right to access any document or file of any bank under the following conditions:
(a) with an order from a competent court or special tribunal; or
(b) with the approval of the Bangladesh Bank.
(8) If any reporting agency fails to comply with the directions issued by Bangladesh Bank under this section or knowingly provides any wrong or false information or statement, the said reporting agency shall be liable to pay a fine determined and directed by Bangladesh Bank not exceeding taka 25 (twenty five) lac and Bangladesh Bank may suspend the registration or license with intent to stop operation of the said agency or any of its branches, service centers, booths or agents within Bangladesh or, as the case may be, shall inform the registering or licensing authority about the subject matter to take appropriate action against the agency.
(9) If any reporting agency fails to pay or does not pay any fine imposed by Bangladesh Bank
according to sub-section (8) of this Act, Bangladesh Bank may recover the amount from the reporting agency by debiting its accounts maintained in any bank or financial institution or Bangladesh Bank and in case of any unrealized or unpaid amount, Bangladesh Bank may, if necessary, apply before the concerned court for recovery.
16. Duties of reporting agency
(1) Every reporting agency shall take necessary measures, with appropriate caution and responsibility, to prevent and identify financial transactions through them which is connected
to any offence under this Act and if any suspicious transaction is identified, the agency shall spontaneously report it to the Bangladesh Bank without any delay.
(2) The Board of Directors, or in the absence of the Board of Directors, the Chief Executive Officer, by whatever name called, of each reporting organization shall approve and issue directions regarding the duties of its officers, and shall ascertain whether the directions issued by Bangladesh Bank under section 15, which are applicable to the reporting agency, have been complied with or not.
(3) If any reporting agency fails to comply with the provision under sub-section (1) the said reporting agency shall be liable to pay a fine determined and directed by Bangladesh Bank not exceeding taka 25 (twenty five) lac and Bangladesh Bank may suspend the registration or license with intent to stop operation of the said agency or any of its branches, service centers, booths or agents within Bangladesh or, as the case may be, shall inform the registering or licensing authority about the subject matter to take appropriate action against the agency.
(4) If the Board of Directors, or in the absence of the Board of Directors, the Chief Executive Officer, by whatever name called, of any reporting organization fails to comply with the provision under sub-section (2) the chairman of the Board of Directors, or the Chief Executive Officer, as the case may be, shall be liable to pay a fine determined and directed by Bangladesh Bank not exceeding taka 25 (twenty five) lac and Bangladesh Bank may remove the said person from his position, as the case may be, shall inform the competent authority about the subject matter to take appropriate action against the person.
(5) If any reporting agency fails to pay or does not pay any fine imposed by Bangladesh Bank according to subsection (3) or if the chairman of the Board of Directors, or the Chief Executive Officer, whatever they may be called, fails to pay or does not pay any fine imposed by Bangladesh Bank according to sub-section (4), Bangladesh Bank may recover the amount from the reporting agency or from the account of the respective person by debiting any account maintained in any bank or financial institution or Bangladesh Bank and in case of any unrealized or unpaid amount, Bangladesh Bank may, if necessary, apply before the concerned court for recovery.
Fourth Chapter
Proscription and Enlistment and Implementation of United Nations Security Council Resolution
17. Person or Entity involved in terrorist activities
For the purposes of this Act, person or entity shall be deemed to have been involved in terrorist activities, if he or it –
(a) commits terrorist activities or takes part in such activities;
(b) takes preparation for terrorist activities;
(c) assists in or encourages committing terrorist activities;
(d) supports and abets any organization involved in terrorist activities;
(e) meets the following listing criteria for enlistment and proscription set out in the UNSCR 1373, which are-
(i) any person or entity who commits or attempts to commit terrorist acts, or who participates in or facilitates the commission of terrorist acts;
(ii) any entity owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by any enlisted or proscribed person or entity;
(iii) any person or entity acting on behalf of, or at the direction of, any enlisted or proscribed person or entity;
(f) provide shelter to any terrorist person; or
(g) is involved in terrorist activities in any other ways.
18. Proscription and Enlistment of organizations
(1) For the purposes of this Act, the Government, on reasonable grounds that a person or an entity is involved in terrorist activities, may, by order, enlist the person in the schedule or proscribe the entity and enlist it in the Schedule.
(2) The Government may, by order, include in or exclude any person or entity from the Schedule or amend the Schedule in any other manner.
19. Review
(1) Any person or entity aggrieved by an order issued by the Government under section 18 may make a written application, mentioning reasons, to the Government for review within 30 (thirty) days of the date of issuance of such order, and the Government, after hearing the applicant shall, , dispose of the application within 90 (ninety) days of receipt.
(2) If the application for review under sub-section (1) is rejected, the aggrieved person or entity may, within 30 (thirty) days of such refusal, prefer an appeal before the High Court Division.
(3) The Government shall, by notification in the official Gazette, constitute a Review Committee consisting of three members for disposal of the review applications filed under sub-section (1).
20. Actions against enlisted person or proscribed entity
(1) If any person is enlisted or any entity is proscribed, the Government, in addition to the other steps mentioned in this Act, shall, where applicable,–
(a) close the offices of the organization, if any;
(b) freeze bank and other accounts, if any, and seize all of properties;
(c) restrict the departure of the members of the proscribed entity from the country;
(d) confiscate all types of pamphlets, posters, banners or other printed, electronic, digital or other material; and (e) proscribe the publication, printing or circulation of press statements, press conferences or speeches delivered in public by the proscribed organization, or in favour or support of it.
(2) The proscribed organization shall submit the accounts of its income and expenditure and shall disclose the sources of all its income to the competent authority nominated by the Government in its behalf.
(3) If it appears that the property of the listed person or proscribed entity have been earned by illegal means or used in committing offence under this Act, the said property shall be confiscated in favour of the State by the court.
20 A. Actions to implement UN Security Council Resolutions
(1) For the purposes of implementing UN Security Council Resolution 1267 and its successor resolutions and UN Security Council Resolution 1373 and UN Security Council resolutions related to the prevention, suppression and disruption of proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and its financing, the Government of Bangladesh shall, in addition to the power delineated in other sections of this Act or other Acts in force, take the following measures:
a) Freeze, seize or attach, without delay, and without issuing any prior notice, the property, funds or other financial assets or economic resources held by, including funds derived or generated from property owned or controlled directly or indirectly by the listed person or entity or by any undertaking owned or controlled by the listed person or entity, or on behalf of a natural person or an entity, if the name of the person or entity is included in the lists, maintained by the committee established under Resolution 1267 of the United Nations Security Council;
b) Freeze, seize or attach, without delay, funds or other financial assets or economic resources of persons who commit, or attempt to commit, terrorist acts or participate in or facilitate the commission of terrorist acts; of entities owned or controlled directly or indirectly by such persons; and of persons and entities acting on behalf of, or at the direction of such persons and entities, including funds derived or generated from property owned or controlled directly or indirectly by such person and associated persons and entities; listed by the respective Committee of UN Security Council,proscribed or listed under 1373, or requested by other country under UNSCR 1373 without issuing any prior notice;
c) Prohibit any willful provision or collection, directly or indirectly, of funds by any individual or entity whether in or outside Bangladesh, with the intention to use such funds or having the knowledge that they shall be used to carry out any terrorist act;
d) Prohibit any individual or entity from making any funds, financial assets or economic resources of financial or other related services available, directly or indirectly, for the benefit of individuals or entities listed by the respective Committee of UN Security Council, proscribed or listed under 1373 or requested by other country under UNSCR 1373, of entities owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by such persons and of persons and entities acting on behalf of or at the direction of such persons;
e) Prevent the entry into or the transit through Bangladesh of individuals listed by the respective Committee of UN Security Council or requested by other country under UNSCR 1373 through effective border control and immigration measures;
f) Prevent any direct or indirect supply, sale and transfer in or outside Bangladesh, of arms and ammunition and other related items, materials, equipment, goods and technologies to the individuals or entities listed by the respective Committee of UN Security Council;
g) Deny permission for any aircraft to take off or land in their territory if it is owned, leased or operated by or on behalf of the individuals or entities listed by the respective Committee of UN Security Council;
h) Prevent illicit trafficking in nuclear, chemical or biological weapons, their means of delivery and related materials, including through inspection of cargo to and from the individuals or entities listed by the respective Committee of UN Security Council;
i) Prohibit and prevent any activity mentioned in the said Resolutions that is relatable to individuals and entities listed by the respective Committee of UN Security Council;
j) Issue directions, from time to time, to the reporting agencies by Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit (BFIU) for proper implementation of this section;
k) The government shall select, through official gazette notification, the appropriate authority to take required actions as per the power stated in section a) to i). .
(2) If any person or entity violates a freezing or attachment order issued under this section the person or the respective person the entity, group or organization shall be punished with imprisonment for the term not less than 04(four) years or with a fine equivalent to twice the value of the property subject to freeze or attachment, or with both.
(3) If any person or entity does any act or fails to do an act in contravention of sub-section (1) (c) and (d) the said person or entity commits an offence of financing of terrorist activities and shall be punished as per section 7(3), 7(4) (A) or 7 (4)(B) as the case may be.
(4) If any person or entity does any act or fails to do an act in contravention of sub-section (1) (e)-(h), person or entity commits an offence of terrorist activity and shall be punished as per provision of section 6(2) or 6(3)(A) or, as the case may be, 6(3)(B).
(5) If any reporting agency fails to comply with the directions issued by BFIU under this section or fails to take immediate freezing action required under this section, the said reporting agency shall be liable to pay a fine determined and directed by BFIU up to taka 25 (twenty five) lac but not less than 05 (five) lac or twice the value of the suspected fund, whichever is greater, and Bangladesh Bank may also suspend the registration or license with intent to stop operation of the said agency or any of its branches, service centers, booths or agents within Bangladesh or, as the case may be, shall inform the registering or licensing authority about the subject matter to take appropriate action against the agency.
(6) If any charge of negligence in implementing the provisions of this section is proved against any public servant an administrative actions shall follow in accordance with the respective service rules.
Fifth Chapter
Investigation of Offences
21. Special provisions with regard to examination of witnesses by police
(1) If any police officer, while investigating any case under this Act, finds it necessary to examine any person acquainted with the facts and circumstances of the case and, if the police officer has knowledge or reasonable grounds to believe that the said person is capable of giving a description of the facts in writing, the police officer with consent of the person, may take a written description of the facts from that person.
(2) The said person shall make his statement or description of the facts in writing under his hand and shall sign the same.
(3) Notwithstanding contained in the Evidence Act, any discussion and conversation through Face book, Skype, Twitter or any other internet site by the terrorist person or entity or still picture or video involving their offence are presented by the police or law enforcement agency to the Court for the purpose of investigation, the presented information by the police or law enforcement agency shall be treated as evidence to the Court.
22. Special provision with regard to recording of statement of a witness by a Magistrate
If any Metropolitan Magistrate, [Judicial Magistrate], or any Magistrate of the Second Class specially empowered in this behalf, has knowledge or reasonable grounds to believe that the person acquainted with the facts and circumstances of the case is capable of presenting his statement in writing, he may direct that person to give his statement by writing under his hand.
23. Special provision regarding recording of confession of an accused person
At the time of recording a confessional statement of an accused person by any Metropolitan Magistrate, Chief Judicial Magistrate or Judicial Magistrate or any Magistrate specially empowered in this regard, if the person is capable and willing to present a written statement regarding the facts, then the person shall be given permission to record his confessional statement by writing with his hand.
23. (A) Special provision with regard to forfeiture or freezing of terrorist property during investigation
(i) If an officer investigating an offence committed under this Act, has reason to believe that any property in relation to which an investigation is being conducted, have proceeds of terrorism, he shall, with prior approval in writing of the District Magistrate in which district such property is situated, who after verifying the petition of investigating officer and if satisfied, may allow to seize such property and where it is not practicable to seize such property, make an order of attachment directing that such property shall not be transferred or otherwise dealt with except with prior permission of the officer making such order.
(ii) If the terrorist property have been mingled with the property acquired from legitimate sources, such property, up to the value of the mingled terrorist property or where the value of the terrorist property cannot be determined, full value of the mingled property shall be liable to seizure or attachment by the investigation officer following the procedure delineated in this section.
(iii) The investigating officer shall duly inform the government within 48 hours about seizure or attachment of such property and the government shall either confirm or revoke the order of seizure or attachment so issued within a period of sixty days from the date of such attachment or seizure order have been issued.
Provided that an opportunity of making a representation by person whose property is being seized or attached shall be given.
(iv) Time period of such attachment or seizure of any property under sub-section (3) shall continue until the investigation report submitted to the court.
24. Time-limit for investigation
(1) Any police officer shall complete the investigation of any case under this Act within [60 (sixty) days] of the date on which information was received or recorded under section 154 of the Code of Criminal Procedure.
(2) If any police officer fails to complete investigation within the time-limit mentioned in sub-section (1), he may extend the time for investigation for a period not exceeding [30 (thirty) days], by recording the reasons in writing in the case diary.
(3) If the said police officer fails to complete the investigation within the time-limit mentioned in sub-section (2), the said investigation officer may, with the written authorization of the Police Superintendent of the relevant district or, as the case may be, the relevant Deputy Police Commissioner of the Metropolitan area, may extend the time for a further period not exceeding 30 (thirty) days [Provided that the time-limit mentioned in sub-sections (1) to (3) shall not be applicable, if the evidence is required to be collected from outside of Bangladesh for investigation purpose.]
(4) If the said police officer fails to complete the investigation within the time-limit mentioned in sub-section (3), he shall, without any delay, inform the matter with reasons, to the Police Superintendent of the relevant district or, as the case may be, the relevant Deputy Police Commissioner of the Metropolitan area, and if the reasons given are not satisfactory, the said investigation officer shall be [accused for negligence in performing his duties].
25. Extension of time-limit with regard to investigation of certain cases
(1) If any police officer fails to complete investigations within the extended time-limit specified in sub-section (3) of [section 24] due to the identity of the offender mentioned in the first information report (FIR) being not discovered and the inability to identify the said offender, it shall not be deemed to be a bar to submit any police report or a new police report or an additional police report at any time following the extended time-limit mentioned in [section 24].
(2) If any police officer fails to complete investigation within the extended time-limit to provide offence related evidence or any report specified in sub-section (3) of [section 24] due to the inability to collect a medical, forensic, fingerprint, chemical or other expert witness, over which the police officer has no control and without which no effective report of the case may be possible to prepare, it shall not be deemed to be a bar to submit the police report at any time following the said extended time-limit.
26. Remand
(1) Where any person is arrested and detained for purposes of investigation, the investigation officer may make an application to the competent Magistrate for remand of the accused in police custody.
(2) On consideration of the application made under sub-section (1), the Magistrate may remand the accused in police custody and the duration of such remand shall not exceed an aggregate or consecutive period of 10 (ten) days:
Provided that if the investigation officer is able to satisfactorily prove before the Magistrate that additional evidence may be gathered if the accused is remanded for an extended period, the Magistrate may extend the period of further remand for a term not exceeding 5 (five) days.
Sixth Chapter
Trial by the Sessions Judge
27. Provision relating to trial of offence by a Sessions Judge or Additional Sessions Judge
(1) Notwithstanding anything contained in the Code of Criminal Procedure or any other law for the time being in force, until a Special Tribunal is constituted in this behalf, the offences under this Act shall be tried by a Sessions Judge, or an Additional Sessions Judge where the case has been transferred to the Additional Sessions Judge by the Sessions Judge.
(2) The Sessions Judge or the Additional Sessions Judge while trying an offence under this Act shall follow the procedure mentioned in chapter 23 of the Code of Criminal Procedure applicable to trials before the Courts of Sessions.
(3) For the purposes of this chapter, the offences under this Act shall be deemed to be offences to be tried by a Court of Sessions, and the proceedings in respect of such offences shall be filed before the Sessions Judge having jurisdiction in the Sessions Division in which the said offence or any part thereof has been committed.
Seventh Chapter
Trial by the Special Tribunal
28. Formation of Anti-terrorism Special Tribunal
(1) The Government may, by notification in the official Gazette, constitute one or more Anti-terrorism Special Tribunals for speedy and effective trial of the offences committed under this Act.
(2) A Special Tribunal constituted under sub-section (1) shall consist of a Sessions Judge or an Additional Sessions Judge appointed by the Government in consultation with the Supreme Court; and a Judge so appointed shall be designated as the “Judge, Anti-terrorism Special Tribunal”.
(3) A Special Tribunal constituted under this section may be assigned to the local jurisdiction over the whole of Bangladesh, or of one or more Sessions Divisions; and the said Tribunal shall only try the cases of offences under this Act, which are filed or transferred to the Tribunal.
(4) On account of assigning to a Special Tribunal the jurisdiction for the whole of Bangladesh, or any part thereof consisting of one or more Sessions Divisions by the Government, a Sessions Judge or an Additional Sessions Judge of that territorial jurisdiction shall not cease to have jurisdiction in respect of trial of offences under this Act, and the cases of offences pending before the Court of Sessions under this Act, shall not be transferred to any Special Tribunal having territorial jurisdiction, unless the Government, by notification in the official Gazette, so directs.
(5) There shall not be any bar for a Special Tribunal, unless it otherwise decides to recall or rehear any witness whose evidence has already been recorded or to reopen the proceedings already held under sub-section (4), but may act on the evidence already recorded or produced and continue the trial from the stage the case has reached.
(6) A Special Tribunal may sit and conduct its proceedings at such times and places as the Government may, by order, specify.
29. Procedure of Special Tribunal
(1) A Special Tribunal shall not take cognizance of any offence except on a report in writing made by a police officer not below the rank of Sub-Inspector.
(2) The Special Tribunal trying an offence under this Act shall follow the procedure laid down in chapter 23 of the Code of Criminal Procedure for trial of offences before the Court of Sessions, subject to not being inconsistent with the special provisions of this Act.
(3) A Special Tribunal, if it is not necessary in the interest of justice, and for reasons to be recorded in writing, may not adjourn any trial.
(4) Where a Special Tribunal has reasons to believe that an accused has absconded or is concealing himself so that he may not be arrested and produced before it for trial and there is no immediate prospect of arresting him, it shall, by order published in at least two well- circulated Bangla Daily newspapers, direct such person to appear before it within such time as may be specified in the order, and if such person fails to comply with such direction, he shall be tried in his absence.
(5) Where in case after the appearance of an accused person before the Special Tribunal, or his release on bail, the accused person absconds or fails to appear before it, the procedure as laid down in sub-section (4), shall not apply and the Tribunal shall, after recording its decision, try such person in his absence.
(6) A Special Tribunal may, upon applications made to it, or of its own motion, direct a police officer to make [further investigation] in any case relating to an offence committed under this Act, and to report within such time as may be specified by it.
30. Application of the Code to proceedings of Special Tribunals
(1) The provisions of the Code of Criminal Procedure, in so far as they are not inconsistent with the provisions of this Act, shall apply to the proceedings of Special Tribunals, and such Special Tribunals shall have all the powers of a Court of Sessions in exercising its original jurisdiction.
(2) The person conducting cases on behalf of the Government before the Special Tribunal shall be deemed to be a public prosecutor.
31. Appeal and approval of death sentence
(1) An Appeal from any order, judgment or sentence passed by a Special Tribunal may be preferred to the High Court Division within 30 (thirty) days from the date of passing thereof.
(2) Where a death sentence is passed under this Act by a Special Tribunal, the proceedings shall be submitted forthwith to the High Court Division and the sentence shall not be executed unless it is approved by that Division.
32. Provision regarding bail
No person accused of an offence punishable under this Act shall be enlarged on bail by a Magistrate or a Judge, unless-
(a) the public prosecutor is given the opportunity of being heard in respect of bail order; and
(b) the [Magistrate or Judge] is satisfied that there are reasonable grounds to believe that the accused may not be found guilty of the offence at the trial and records in writing his reasons of the grounds for being so satisfied.
33. Time-limit for disposal of cases by Special Tribunal
(1) A Judge of a Special Tribunal shall conclude the trial of a case within 6 (six) months from the date on which [the charge is framed] in respect of the case.
(2) If the Judge fails to conclude the trial within the time-limit specified in sub-section (1), he may, for reasons to be recorded in writing, extend the time not exceeding 3 (three) months.
(3) If the Judge fails to conclude the trial within the time-limit specified in sub-section (2), he may, after informing the High Court Division and the Government in writing as to the reasons for such failure, further extend the time not exceeding 3 (three) months.
Eighth Chapter
Property derived from terrorist activities
34. Possession of property obtained from terrorist activities
(1) Any terrorist person or entity or any other person, shall not enjoy or possess any property derived from terrorist activities or property given by any terrorist person or terrorist entity or any other terrorist property.
(2) Any terrorist property which remains in the possession of any terrorist person or entity or any other person, whether or not punished under this Act, shall be liable to be confiscated in favour of the State.
(3) The property of any person or entity involved in any offence under this Act, shall be subject to seizure by the Government upon request of any foreign State or organization and shall be liable to be disposed of under mutual legal assistance with the relevant country, or as the case may be, by the Government.
(4) The property of any person or entity shall be subject to seizure in pursuant to any international, regional or bilateral agreements ratified by the Government or any convention of United Nations or relevant resolutions adopted by the United Nations Security Council.
35. Confiscation of assets obtained from terrorist activities and proceeds of terrorism
(1) Where the Judge is satisfied that any property is seized or attached for deriving from terrorist activities or it constitutes from proceeds of terrorism, the Court may pass an order to confiscate the property.
(2) If any proceeds of terrorism or any property derived from terrorist activities is confiscated under sub-section (1), the Government may take legal steps in accordance with sections (18) and (20) of this Act against the entity from which the said property shall be confiscated.
(3) Property seized in accordance with sub-section (4) of section 34 of this Act shall be liable to be confiscated and disposed of by the concerned court in light of the concerned agreements, conventions or the resolutions adopted by the United Nations Security Council.
(4) If any person or entity other than the convicted person or entity has title, interest or right to the confiscated property, the property may be returned by the concerned court.]
36. Issuance of a notice to show cause prior to confiscation of assets obtained from terrorist activities
(1) Before passing an order of confiscation of assets obtained from terrorist activities, [a show cause notice shall, in accordance with the provisions of the Code of Criminal Procedure] be served to the person who possesses or controls the said property and no order for confiscation of assets obtained from terrorist activities shall be passed without allowing the person to reply to the notice within the stipulated time of the notice, or without giving the person a reasonable opportunity of being heard.
(2) No order of confiscation under sub-section (1) may be passed, if the person is able to prove that he was unaware of the fact that the said assets was obtained from terrorist activities and he purchased the same with an appropriate price.
37. Appeal
(1) Any person aggrieved by an order of confiscation passed under section 35, may prefer an appeal to the High Court Division within a month from the date of the receipt of such order.
(2) Where an order under section 35 is modified or annulled by the High Court Division or wherein a prosecution instituted for the contravention of the provisions of this Act, the person against whom an order of confiscation has been made under section 35 is acquitted, such property shall be returned to him, and if it is not possible for any reason to return the confiscated property, such person shall be paid a reasonable price thereof with reasonable interest accruing from the day of attachment or seizer of the property considering the property having been sold to the Government.
Ninth Chapter
Mutual legal assistance
38. Mutual legal assistance
(1) When a terrorist act is committed or abetted, attempted, conspired or financed to commit an offence in such a manner that the territory of a foreign State is involved, or the terrorist act is so committed, abetted, attempted, conspired or financed in Bangladesh from another sovereign State or from Bangladesh in another sovereign State, the Government of Bangladesh shall, upon satisfaction, provide all such necessary legal assistance [in accordance with any agreement] on criminal investigation, trial or extradition as may be requested by the Government of that foreign State subject to the following provisions of this section.
(2) The terms and conditions of mutual legal assistance shall be mutually agreed upon between the requesting and the requested States on the basis of reciprocity through signing of formal agreement or exchange of letters.
(3) [In absence of mutual understanding between countries,] no Bangladeshi citizen shall be handed over to a foreign State for trail of offence under this Act [:Provided that, the extradition of any Bangladeshi citizen shall not be executed if the person is under trial in any court in Bangladesh for the same offence.]
(4) For the purposes of mutual legal assistance under this section, a Bangladeshi citizen may, subject to his consent, be handed over to a foreign State to provide assistance as a witness in a relevant criminal prosecution or in the process of investigation.
(5) Bangladesh, being a requested country, may refuse to comply with a request for extradition or mutual legal assistance in a particular case, if the Government has substantial grounds to believe that the request for extradition of any offender for the purpose of prosecuting or punishing that person only on account of his race, religion, nationality, or political opinion.
Tenth Chapter
General provisions
39. Offences to be cognizable and non-bail able
(1) All offences under this Act shall be cognizable.
(2) All offences under this Act shall be non-bailable.
40. Inevitability of prior approval regarding investigation and trial
(1) If any offence is committed under this Act, the concerned police officer shall immediately, after notifying the District Magistrate, file a case and start investigation.
(2) No court shall take cognizance of any offence under this Act without the prior sanction of the Government.
41. Transfer of cases to and from Special Tribunal
The Government may, at any stage of trial before conclusion of evidence, transfer any case or cases involving any offence under this Act from a Court of Sessions to a Special Tribunal or from a Special Tribunal to a Court of Sessions on reasonable grounds.
42. Power to amend the Schedule
The Government may, by an order notified in the official Gazette, amend the Schedule of this Act.
43. Power to make rules
For the purposes of this Act, the Government may, by notification in the official Gazette,
make rules.
44. Original Text and English Text
The original Text of this Act shall be in Bangla, and there shall be an authentic text of an authorized translation in English of this Act:
Provided that in the event of conflict between the Bangla and the English text, the Bangla text shall prevail.
45. Repeal and savings
(1) The Anti-Terrorism Ordinance, 2008 (Ordinance No. 28 of 2008) is hereby repealed.
(2) Notwithstanding such repeal, all acts done or actions taken under the repealed Ordinance shall be deemed to have been done or taken under this Act.
Ashfaq Hamid
Secretary
Schedule-1
[see section-2(3)(A))]
(a) Convention for the suppression of unlawful seizure of Aircraft done at the Hague on 16th December, 1970;
(b) Convention for the suppression of unlawful Acts against the safety of Civil aviation, done at Montreal on 23rd September, 1971;
(c) Convention on the prevention and punishment of Crimes against internationally protected person, including diplomatic agents, adopted by the General Assembly of the United Nations on 14th December,1973;
(d) International convention against the taking of hostages adopted by the general assembly of the United on 17th December, 1979;
(e) Convention on the physical protection of nuclear material, adopted at Vienna on 3th March, 1980;
(f) Protocol for the suppression of unlawful Acts of violence at Airports serving International civil aviation, supplementary to the convention for the suppression of unlawful Acts against the safety of civil aviation, done at Montreal on 24 February, 1988;
(g) Convention for the suppression of unlawful Acts against the safety of maritime navigation, done at Rome on 10 March, 1988;
(h) Protocol for the suppression of unlawful Acts against the safety of fixed platforms located on the continental shelf, done at Rome on 10 March, 1988.
(i) International convention for the suppression of terrorist Bombings, adopted by the general assembly of the United Nations on 15th December, 1997.