SC lawyer Shishir Manir withdraws from Abrar murder case defence

Supreme Court lawyer Mohammad Shishir Manir has withdrawn from defending the accused in the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (Buet) student Abrar Fahad murder case.

Manir announced his decision on Facebook today (27 February), stating, "The hearing in the High Court for the case of Abrar Fahad has concluded and the verdict is awaited. It would not be appropriate to elaborate on the matter further. I deeply respect the people's emotions and sentiments."

"I have decided that, regardless of the verdict, I will not represent any party in the appeal court, Inshallah. I will also discuss this matter with the family of Abrar. I hope everyone will view this matter with a spirit of understanding," he added.

Shishir Manir had previously represented several of the convicted defendants, including members of Chhatra League, in the High Court.

Earlier, he faced criticism for defending the accused, with many pointing to his past association with Islami Chhatra Shibir and his candidacy for Jamaat-e-Islami in the upcoming elections.

In response to the backlash, Manir said he would no longer represent any party in the case.

The HC is expected to deliver its verdict on Abrar murder case soon.

Following the hearing of appeals and death references for those sentenced to death by the lower court, the bench of Justice AKM Asaduzzaman and Justice Syed Enayet Hossain on Monday adjourned the case, reserving the verdict.

The state was represented by Attorney General Mohammad Asaduzzaman and Deputy Attorney General KB Rumi, with Assistant Attorney General Barrister Sumaiya Aziz and Jamiyul Haq Faisal.

The defence was represented by lawyers SM Shahjahan and Shishir Manir.