DU Prof Karzon seeks Tk 5 crore compensation from state

Dhaka University professor Dr. Sheikh Hafizur Rahman Karzon has demanded Tk 5 crore in compensation from the state, alleging that his fundamental rights were violated during his recent arrest and detention.

The professor made the demand on Friday while standing in the dock of a Dhaka court. He was produced before the court in connection with a case filed under the Anti-Terrorism Act at Shahbagh Police Station.

Dr. Karzon told the court that he was denied his constitutional right to appoint a lawyer and was held in poor conditions, including lack of a fan or soap in police custody and the jail. He claimed he was unable to sleep the entire night due to the conditions.

“We have been subjected to human rights violations,” he said, holding up a copy of the Constitution during his statement to the court. “Under Article 33 of the Constitution, we were entitled to certain rights which were denied. The public prosecutor’s claims are false. We have been harassed, and I seek Tk 5 crore in compensation. I also request immediate bail.”

Earlier in the day, the investigation officer of the case, Sub-Inspector Tawfiq Hasan of Shahbagh Police Station, requested the court to keep all the accused in jail. Additional Public Prosecutor Md Shamsuddoha Sumon strongly supported the plea during the hearing.

Dr. Karzon also recounted the incident that led to his arrest. He said he had attended a scheduled discussion on the Liberation War and the Constitution at the Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU) on Thursday morning. The event, he noted, was convened by Zahurul Haque Panna, with renowned lawyer Dr. Kamal Hossain expected as the chief guest.

“A group of attackers stormed the event and forcibly removed us. We were the victims. Instead of arresting the assailants, the police arrested us,” he told the court.

At the end of the hearing, Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Saraha Farzana Haque ordered 16 individuals, including former minister Abdul Latif Siddique and Dr. Karzon, to be sent to jail.

As he was being escorted from the courtroom, Dr. Karzon raised the Constitution once more and addressed the media and court attendees: “This Constitution was earned with the blood of three million martyrs. It must be protected.”