SCBA protests police attacks during Dhaka siege programme

At a press briefing at south hall of the Bar building, the SCBA urged the judges and lawyers of the country to remain alert against "the government's conspiracy to use the higher court politically and make it controversial."

In protest against the police attacks on the innocent people, including journalists and opposition leaders and activists the SCBA will hold a meeting during the 14-party- sponsored hartal today.

In a written statement, the SCBA said the government has deprived people of their fundamental rights by attacking, harassing and arresting them during the Dhaka siege programme. Such programme is recognised in democracy and constitution, it added.

SCBA Secretary Advocate AM Aminuddin, while reading out the statement, said police detained several hundred opposition workers including women, pedestrians and aged people from various places violating the specific ruling of the High Court on mass arrest.

Advocates Abdul Baset Majumder, M Ozair Farooq, Mahbubey Alam, Subrata Chowdhury, MA Mannan Khan, M Enayetur Rahim, Mahbub Ali, Bashir Ahmed, Ziad-al Malum, Sheikh Akhterul Islam and Mohammad Salim were present on the occasion.

Meanwhile, pro-government lawyers held a meeting at north hall of Bar building in protest against 'anarchy' at the court area on Sunday and urged the chief justice to take steps against those who committed contempt of court.

They demanded expulsion of those lawyers who are responsible for polluting the Supreme Court (SC) premises.

The speakers said client would not come if lawyers cannot ensure the prestige of the court.

Chaired by Advocate Habibul Islam Bhuiyan, the meeting was also addressed by Advocates Zainul Abedin, Abu Bakar Siddique, Zaman Akhter Bulbul, and Shaiduddin Khan.