Awami League lawyers' protest disrupted by BNP faction at court premises

A human chain organised by Awami League-affiliated lawyers at the Dhaka Metropolitan Sessions Judge Court premises demanding the cancellation of a trade agreement signed with the United States during the interim government's tenure was disrupted by BNP-affiliated lawyers, leading to tensions on Thursday, May 14.

The lawyers, under the banner of 'Dhaka Bar General Lawyers', termed the agreement "anti-state" and called for its annulment.

During the protest, senior journalist Anis Alamgir, who was present at the court for a hearing in a corruption case, was invited to join the human chain. He stood for a while after his court appearance to show solidarity before leaving.

After the human chain, the Awami League-leaning lawyers remained on the court premises in small groups. At that point, several BNP-leaning lawyers approached them and asked them to leave. An argument ensued, followed by pushing and shoving, and some Awami League lawyers were forcibly moved from the spot before eventually leaving the area.

BNP-leaning lawyer Zakir Hasan Jewel alleged that a group of Awami League lawyers were trying to create anarchy on the court premises. He claimed that 'Joy Bangla' slogans were raised in front of the Chief Judicial Magistrate's court the previous day, and that such activities were being orchestrated to please Sheikh Hasina.

Awami League-leaning lawyer Obaidul Islam, however, said they had organised the protest over negligence in the measles vaccine campaign and the trade deal with the US. While there was some scuffling, he denied that 'Joy Bangla' slogans were raised, adding that the slogan is not banned and anyone can chant it.