Barrister Suman’s case, incarceration raises concern in Australian parliament

Concerns over multiple cases filed against former Member of Parliament and Supreme Court lawyer Syed Sayedul Haque Suman, his prolonged incarceration, and broader human rights issues in Bangladesh have been raised in the upper house of Australia’s New South Wales Parliament.

According to lawyers representing Suman, the issue was highlighted during a press briefing held Thursday (June 4) in front of the Supreme Court Annex building in Dhaka, where they outlined the current status of his ongoing legal battles and appeals.

Advocate Liton Ahmed said a case was filed against Suman in connection with an incident in Chunarughat in July last year. His bail plea was rejected by the Habiganj District and Sessions Judge’s Court, after which he moved the High Court seeking bail. The High Court issued a rule, and the matter is now pending hearing.

He added that Suman’s detention and legal situation have drawn international attention, including discussion in the New South Wales Legislative Council.

According to him, members of the Australian-Bangladeshi community have raised concerns in the state parliament regarding alleged harassment cases and broader human rights issues in Bangladesh.

Another lawyer, Mohammad Khurram Shah Murad, said prolonged detention without trial is not desirable and claimed Suman is facing multiple cases, while maintaining that he has no corruption allegations and was not involved in the violence linked to the 5 August events.

In a recent parliamentary speech, New South Wales Legislative Council member Stephen Lawrence described Barrister Suman as a well-known public figure who worked for underprivileged communities and spoke against corruption and abuse of power.

He also referred to reports of political arrests and alleged rights violations in Bangladesh, citing concerns raised in international media.

Lawyers for Suman expressed hope that the High Court would consider his bail and legal rights with urgency in light of international attention.

Suman was arrested on October 21, 2024, from the Mirpur area of Dhaka. He has since remained in custody in connection with multiple cases filed in Dhaka and Habiganj, including allegations linked to violence and attempted murder. He is facing more than a dozen cases, according to available reports.