Third Reading on the BIMSTEC Convention on Mutual Legal Assistance
The House held the Third Reading of the BIMSTEC Convention on Mutual Legal Assistance today. The Chairperson of the Human Rights and Foreign Relations Committee, Member from Thrimshing-Kangpara constituency, presented the Committee’s review report on the Convention.
The Chairperson informed the House that the Committee held extensive stakeholder meetings and discussions as part of its review process. The Committee found the Convention to be highly beneficial to the country, as it provides a comprehensive framework for legal cooperation among BIMSTEC member states in criminal matters.
The Convention is expected to strengthen Bhutan’s capacity in investigating and prosecuting cross-border crimes, facilitate the exchange of evidence and information, and support search, seizure, and asset recovery efforts, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of the national criminal justice system.
The House deliberated on all 25 Articles of the Convention, and apart from clerical and translation errors in the Dzongkha text, the House endorsed all the Articles. The House directed the Ministry of Home Affairs to review the translation of the text as recommended by the Members and make the necessary changes before it is presented to the National Council. The House will vote on the Convention tomorrow as per procedure.
