Celebration of Sheikh Hasina’s birthday: three lawyers beaten in Shariatpur

Allegations have been raised against BNP leaders and activists of beating three lawyers and vandalising their chambers in Shariatpur for celebrating Sheikh Hasina’s birthday.

OC of Palong Model Police Station Md. Shah Alam informed that this incident took place in the premises of Shariatpur District and Sessions Judge Court around 2pm on Wednesday.

The lawyers who were subjected to the beating are Sanowar Mallik, Shahin Khan and Tania Sultana. It has been learnt that they are members of Bangabandhu Awami Lawyers’ Council.

According to the victims, several lawyers supported by Awami League celebrated the birthday of ousted former prime minister Sheikh Hasina two days ago. In protest against this, BNP leaders and activists brought out a procession in the court premises at noon on Wednesday. The procession was led by General Secretary of Shariatpur Sadar upazila BNP Mahbub Morshed alias Tipu Madbor.

There is an allegation that at one stage of the procession, lawyer Sanowar Mallik was beaten on the stairs of the District and Sessions Judge Court. Later he was dragged and brought in front of the court building and beaten again.

Sanowar Mallik alleged, “Several lawyers were preparing to cut a cake two days ago on the occasion of Sheikh Hasina’s birthday. As a consequence of this, BNP leaders and activists brought out a procession and beat me. Mahbub Morshed and his son beat me with rods. Due to fear of them I could not get admitted to hospital. I am in hiding after taking treatment at a private clinic.”

There is also an allegation of entering the chambers of Shahin Khan and Tania Sultana in a building next to the Lawyers’ Association after the procession and carrying out an attack and vandalism.

Lawyer Tania Sultana said, “30 to 35 people entered our chamber. At that time when Shahin Khan took shelter in the toilet, the attackers broke the door and beat him. When I asked why such behaviour was being done with us, I was also abused and beaten. The matter has been informed to senior lawyers and the Lawyers’ Association.”

General Secretary of Shariatpur Sadar upazila BNP Mahbub Morshed denied the allegation of attack. He said that BNP brought out a procession in the court premises in protest against the activities of Awami League as their activities have been banned. “If anyone has caused any incident from the procession, I do not know who has done it.”

General Secretary of Shariatpur Lawyers’ Association Mridha Nazrul Islam said that he has heard about the unwanted incident with the lawyers in the court premises. He has also spoken with the victims. The matter will be discussed in the meeting of the Lawyers’ Association and subsequent steps will be taken.

OC of Palong Model Police Station Shah Alam said that after receiving the news of the attack, the situation became normal before police reached the spot. No party has yet given a written complaint in this incident. Legal measures will be taken if a complaint is received.