Cumilla:No lawyer will defend the accused in the highly publicized murder case of Ishiat Shahriar Oprotim, with the Cumilla District Bar Association making this announcement on humanitarian grounds.
According to United News of Bangladesh, the decision was disclosed during a discussion between the Cumilla District Bar Association and Cumilla University administration at the university's conference room. The meeting, held around 5 pm on Tuesday, was attended by Cumilla District Bar Association President Advocate Md Shahidullah and General Secretary Md Mahabobol Hoque Khandaker, who announced the decision.
Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr M M Shariful Karim and other university officials, along with students from various departments, participated in the meeting. Public Prosecutor Advocate Kaimul Haque Rinku and other bar association leaders were present as well.
Advocate Kaimul Haque Rinku emphasized the need for a swift and impartial investigation by the police, with a call for an accurate charge sheet. He assured that the Bar Association would fully cooperate to ensure the trial process remains uninterrupted. President Advocate Md Shahidullah noted that the decision not to defend the accused was based on a moral stance rather than a formal resolution. He also mentioned that state-funded legal defense would be available to uphold the accused's legal rights, avoiding any trial complications.
Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr M M Shariful Karim expressed gratitude to the Bar Association for supporting the university. He stressed the importance of uncovering the true cause of Oprotim's murder and identifying all involved parties. He also highlighted the need for proper verification of the accused's ages and, if necessary, conducting ossification tests.
Students at the meeting demanded age verification of the accused and called for improved security measures, including better lighting and CCTV installation in local areas. They also advocated for stronger drug control and increased security patrols around the university.
Earlier in the day, university students held a silent procession at 11:30 am, demanding a swift trial and the fulfillment of their four-point demands. These include the arrest and trial of the accused within 60 days, the withdrawal of specific police officials, the establishment of a permanent police outpost near the university, and the formation of a response unit for missing persons cases.
Oprotim disappeared on September 18 while taking photos with his mother's iPhone, and his body was found the next day in the Kotbari area.