Pro-BNP lawyers’ leader Zainul Abedin on Wednesday alleged that most of the law officers appointed during the interim government remained absent from the movement that ousted the Sheikh Hasina regime on August 5, 2024.
He made the remarks while addressing a protest rally organised by the Jatiyatabadi Ainjibi Forum on the Supreme Court Bar Association premises demanding the resignation of law officers loyal to fascist Sheikh Hasina and protesting against the appointment of SC judges in a non-transparent manner.
‘You, the judges, would not have reached the Appellate Division if the fascist Sheikh Hasina regime had not been overthrown through that movement,’ he said.
‘Except for a few of my colleagues, those who are now enjoying the positions of AAGs, DAGs, or government law officers are not even present at this meeting. It’s unfortunate,’ he remarked.
Zainul recalled that, during Khaleda Zia’s tenure as prime minister, she used to take opinions from the Bar Association president and senior lawyers through the forum’s legal affairs secretary before the appointment of the judges.
He expressed concern over reports that the process of appointing Supreme Court judges had already begun, even though a writ petition challenging the legality of the Supreme Judicial Appointment Council was awaiting full judgment in the High Court.
‘How can appointments be made before the court delivers its observations on such a crucial matter? Is this going to be like the law officer appointments?’ Zainul questioned and urged the Bar Association to uphold its responsibility in ensuring judicial integrity.
He further warned that the lawyers would be compelled to take to the streets if the judiciary ignored the demands of the legal community.
Forum secretary general Kayser Kamal echoed Zainul, alleging that many current state law officers were politically affiliated with the Awami League and are protégés of ruling party leaders.
‘They must resign, or the law ministry should terminate them. Otherwise, we will march towards the secretariat,’ he said.
Kamal also demanded that Supreme Court judges should be appointed in a transparent manner.
‘We want to see the High Court’s observations first. There is still scope to seek a review. We will not accept any appointments made through the Judicial Council until the court gives its verdict,’ he warned.
The rally, presided over by the forum’s Supreme Court unit convener Md Bodruddoza Badal, was also addressed by its member secretary Gazi Towhidul Islam, organising secretary Gazi Kamrul Islam Sajal, and leaders Mohammad Ali and Manir Hossain.
