84 pro-AL lawyers sent to jail over violence during mass uprising

A Dhaka court today (6 April) rejected the bail pleas of 84 pro-Awami League lawyers and sent them to jail in connection with a case over violence, vandalism, and attempted murder during the mass uprising on 4 August last year.

The Dhaka Metropolitan Sessions Judge Zakir Hossain Galib passed the order, according to court sources.

The court, however, granted bail to nine others, including Abu Sayeed Sagar, former president of the Dhaka Bar Association.

A total of 93 lawyers appeared before the court seeking anticipatory bail earlier in the day.

The case was filed on 6 February by Mohammad Ali Babu, an executive member of the Dhaka Bar Association, accusing 144 pro-AL lawyers of being involved in an attack on the court premises during the movement.

According to the case document, on 4 August last year, around 12:00pm, the accused allegedly gathered in front of the Dhaka Bar Association armed with weapons, sticks and exploded crude bombs.

One lawyer was targeted by Anwar Shahadat Shawon, who allegedly aimed a pistol at him with the intent to kill. Another accused, Wakil, allegedly struck him with an iron rod, causing serious injuries. Other accused reportedly attacked fellow lawyers, looted chambers of pro-BNP lawyers, and vandalised property worth millions of taka.

Following the incident, 115 lawyers secured eight-week anticipatory bail from the High Court. That bail is set to expire tomorrow (7 April).