Lawyers demand cancellation of Supreme Court Bar polls, fresh schedule
Democratic Lawyers Association of Bangladesh alleges irregularities and exclusion of candidates ahead of 13–14 May election
The Democratic Lawyers Association of Bangladesh has demanded the cancellation of the upcoming Supreme Court Bar Association executive committee election and the announcement of a fresh schedule, alleging irregularities and exclusion of candidates.
The demand was made at a protest rally held in front of the Supreme Court Bar Association building today (6 May).
The organisation arranged the programme to protest what it described as widespread irregularities and disorder in bar association elections across the country, including the Supreme Court Bar.
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Speakers at the rally said bar association elections are traditionally contested by individuals rather than on party lines, but many lawyers were prevented from participating in the upcoming polls.
"We condemn this undemocratic behaviour. Lawyers with differing views must not be barred from contesting. Everyone should be allowed to take part in the election," speakers said.
The rally was chaired by lawyer SMA Sabur, who called for immediate cancellation of the election and the formation of a new committee to oversee a fresh vote.
Among others, lawyers AKM Jaglul Haider Afric, Zahirul Haque, Zahidul Bari, Humayun Kabir and Anwarul Haque spoke at the event. The programme was moderated by lawyer Hasan Tariq Chowdhury Sohel.
The demand comes after a recent special general meeting of the bar association decided that lawyers aligned with the Awami League would not be allowed to contest the election, citing restrictions on the party's activities.
The election for the Supreme Court Bar Association executive committee is scheduled to be held on 13 and 14 May.
