HC orders removal of 'victim-blaming' statement by accused after Rajshahi judge's house attack
The court also issued a rule asking why those responsible should not be held accountable for failing to ensure safety of the judge’s family
The High Court has ordered immediate removal of a viral "victim-blaming" statement circulated in the media and on social media regarding Limon Mia, the accused in the attack on the home of a Rajshahi Metropolitan Sessions Judge that left the judge's son dead and his wife critically injured.
The High Court bench of Justice Faiz Ahmed and Justice Md Manzur Alam issued the order after hearing a writ petition filed by Supreme Court lawyer Advocate Bellal Hossain today (24 November).
The court directed the chairman of the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) to take necessary action without delay.
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At the same time, the court issued a rule asking why those responsible should not be held accountable for failing to ensure the safety of the judge's family.
Accused Limon Mia made the statement while he was in police custody after the attack on 13 November.
The petition sought the removal of the statement, the formation of a judicial inquiry committee against the police officers involved, and the swift implementation of the Supreme Court's circular on security measures for judges.
Advocate Mohammad Mahbubur Rahman Khan represented the petitioner during the hearing.
Respondents in the writ include the home secretary, law secretary, information secretary, inspector general of police, BTRC chairman, Rajshahi Metropolitan Police commissioner, director of Rajshahi Medical College Hospital, and the officers-in-charge of Rajpara Police Station (Rajshahi), Jalalabad Police Station (Sylhet), and Boalia Police Station (Rajshahi).
Advocate Mahbubur Rahman Khan said that the widespread circulation of victim-blaming remarks could obstruct justice in the murder case.
He added that the High Court's directives would help ensure an expeditious trial.
According to police, around 2:30pm on 13 November, Limon allegedly entered the judge's residence in Terkhadia Dabtola and fatally stabbed his 15-year-old son Tausif Rahman to death. The judge's wife, Tasmin Nahar Lucy, was also critically injured in the knife attack.
Limon himself was hurt in the ensuing scuffle.
Judge Abdur Rahman filed a murder case the following day, naming Limon as the sole accused and alleging premeditated intent.
