Barishal: The Supreme Court has announced that necessary legal action has been undertaken following a disorderly incident during a session at the Barishal Additional Chief Metropolitan Court on Tuesday.
According to United News of Bangladesh, a statement from the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court revealed that on February 24, a group of lawyers caused chaos inside the courtroom and misbehaved with the presiding judge. Video evidence highlighted the damage to benches and other courtroom furniture, alongside aggressive behavior directed at the judge. Due to the hostile environment, the Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate was compelled to adjourn the session and retreat to a private room, significantly disrupting regular court proceedings. The lawyers further demonstrated inside and outside the court, demanding the judge’s removal.
The Supreme Court took notice of the incident and confirmed that legal measures have been initiated. On February 25, a contempt of court rule was issued by a double bench of the High Court Division. Additionally, the Additional Chief Metropolitan Court in Barishal has filed charges under specific sections of the Crimes Prejudicial to Law and Order (Speedy Trial) Act, 2002, and various sections of the Penal Code, 1860. Law enforcement agencies have been directed to act swiftly.
The Supreme Court has urged all parties to exercise restraint, act responsibly, and respect the law to uphold the judiciary’s dignity and independence and ensure the courts’ smooth operation.
Following the incident, a case was filed against 20 individuals, including the naming of 12 senior lawyers, by Rajib Majumdar, the bench assistant of Barishal’s Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Court. A court official reported that Barishal Bar Association President Linkon was arrested in the morning and subsequently jailed on charges of courtroom vandalism and contempt of court.
Al Mamun Islam, Officer-in-Charge of Barishal Kotwali Model Police Station, confirmed the arrest of the main accused in the case, with efforts ongoing to apprehend the remaining individuals involved. Meanwhile, Hafiz Ahmed Bablu, Barishal’s Assistant Public Prosecutor and Organizing Secretary of the District Jubo Dal, announced that lawyers would abstain from participating in court proceedings in Barishal indefinitely to protest the arrest and the case.