Dhaka, 31 Jan – Litigants and even lawyers had to take police permission for entering into the Supreme Court for last several days, which irked lawyers on Wednesday as police searched everyone and their bags at the entrances before allowing them to enter the court premises.Jurist Shahdeen Malik, at a briefing on Wednesday morning, at the Supreme Court Bar Association building announced to boycott the Supreme Court unless the government appoints the Chief Justice.
He said that the lawyers now needed taking police permission for entering the court premises.
“I will no more come to the court unless there is appointment of a Chief Justice and free access of lawyers to the Supreme Court,” he said.
The vacancy in the office of Chief Justice occurred on November 11 last after Chief Justice SK Sinha tendered his resignation.
During the visit yesterday, it appeared at the both entrances of the Supreme Court that the police were searching everyone and their bags during entering.
Police took the measure a day after of snatching two BNP men from police prison van in front of Mazar gate of the Supreme Court.
Police has taken tight security strong when the Dhaka court started hearing the final argument in Zia Orphanage trust case. But, the security made further tighten from yesterday what police claimed to ensure security of common people live and property.
Some junior lawyers including Farzana Ahmed said that they were searched by policemen when entering into the Supreme Court at Mazar gate.
“Police did not allow me to enter into the Supreme Court for not keeping my identity card with me. Later, I called my senior lawyer and he sent a representative to receive me from the entrance gate. At last police allow me to enter into the court,” Farza said.
Some litigant alleged that they were not allowed to enter into the court as the police imposed restriction to enter into the court.
“I want to meet with a lawyer to take consultation about a civil case. But, I cannot go there as police did not allow me to enter into the Supreme Court premise,” said Rasel Ahmed, who was found standing in front of Bar Council gate of the Supreme Court.
Md Ashraful Islam, additional deputy commissioner (Ramna zone), said that they were discharging their duties in front of two entrance gates of Supreme Court to ensure the people live and their property.
“It is very important to ensure the security of the people and their lives. We are vigilant to ensure the security of the people,” he added.
Earlier on Tuesday, after attacking the law enforcers the BNP men snatched their two followers when BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia was returning from a makeshift court after appearing before it in Zia Charitable Trust corruption case.
On August 8, 2011, the Anti-Corruption Commission filed the case with Tejgaon Police Station, accusing four people, including Khaleda, of raising funds for the Zia Charitable Trust from unknown sources through abuse of power.
The Dhaka court is set to deliver its verdict on February 8 against Khaleda Zia and five others in connection with Zia Orphanage Trust corruption case brewing tension as the verdict might put the BNP chief out of the upcoming election. – Staff Reporter
