A Dhaka court on Sunday ordered the imprisonment of 70 pro-Awami League lawyers in connection with a case filed over assault and attempted murder of fellow lawyers during an anti-government protest.
Meanwhile, Dhaka Bar Association’s former president Abu Sayeed Sagar and nine female lawyers were granted bail.
Dhaka Metropolitan Sessions Judge Md Zakir Hossain passed the order, confirmed Advocate Khorshed Alam Mia, president of the ad-hoc committee of the Dhaka Bar Association and lawyer for the plaintiff.
According to court sources, 80 lawyers, all reportedly affiliated with the ruling Awami League, surrendered before the court and sought bail. The defence argued that the accused had earlier secured eight weeks’ anticipatory bail from the High Court and would not abscond if granted bail. However, the prosecution opposed the plea.
The court rejected the bail prayer for 70 of them and ordered their immediate imprisonment. The remaining 10, including former Dhaka Bar president Sagar and nine women lawyers, were granted bail.
The case was filed over allegations of attack, chamber vandalism, and attempted murder of Dhaka Bar Association members during a protest demanding equality and fair treatment. A total of 144 pro-AL lawyers were accused in the case.
Liberty News’ court correspondent reports that 115 of the accused secured eight weeks’ bail from the High Court, which is set to expire on Monday. Today, 80 lawyers appeared before the lower court seeking regular bail, leading to the court’s latest order.
LND/NE
