12 lawyers sent to jail over vandalism of BNP office in Barguna

A court in Barguna has ordered 12 lawyers to be sent to jail in connection with the vandalism of the district BNP office. The accused lawyers, all leaders and activists affiliated with the Awami League at the district and upazila levels, were previously granted interim bail by the High Court.

After the expiration of their eight-week interim bail, the lawyers appeared before the Barguna District and Sessions Judge Court to apply for bail. However, following the hearing, Judge Md. Saifur Rahman ruled that they be remanded to custody.

The lawyers sent to jail include former president of the Barguna District Lawyers Association Mahabubul Bari Aslam, advocate Mojibul Haque Kislu, former GP Mojibur Rahman, advocate Junaid Jewel, advocate Humayun Kabir Poltu, advocate Humayun Kabir (chairman of Burirchar Union Parishad), advocate Abdur Rahman Jewel (Charduwani), advocate Abdullah Al Mamun, advocate Syedmon Islam Rabbi, advocate Imran, advocate Nurul Islam (chairman of Amtali Gulishakhali Union Parishad), and advocate Milon.

According to reports, the vandalism occurred on March 17, 2023, when leaders and activists of the Barguna district and upazila Awami League and affiliated organizations attacked the BNP office. In response, SM Noimul Islam, son of former Barguna district BNP general secretary SM Nazrul Islam, filed a case on April 30 naming 158 individuals.

Public Prosecutor Md. Nurul Amin told that the 12 lawyers are among the accused in the case and had been granted interim bail by the High Court. After the bail period ended, they appeared before the district court for bail renewal, but the court ordered their detention.