Three lawyers were reportedly assaulted and two lawyers’ chambers were vandalised at the Shariatpur District and Sessions Judge’s Court in Bangladesh following celebrations marking former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s birthday. A human rights organisation has condemned the incident and called for an impartial investigation.The incident reportedly took place on Wednesday, September 30, after lawyers affiliated with the Awami League held celebrations for Hasina’s birthday. According to reports, BNP leaders and workers later organised a procession at the court premises in protest.Key HighlightsThree lawyers were reportedly assaulted in Shariatpur, Bangladesh.Two lawyers’ chambers were allegedly vandalised.The incident followed celebrations marking Sheikh Hasina’s birthday.The lawyers were identified as Sanwar Mallick, Shaheen Khan and Tania Sultana.Justice Makers Bangladesh in France condemned the reported violence.The rights group called for an independent and impartial investigation.Police said no written complaint had been filed at the time of the initial reports.What Happened at the Shariatpur Court?According to reports citing the victims, several lawyers associated with the Awami League had celebrated Sheikh Hasina’s birthday earlier in the week. In response, BNP supporters reportedly organised a procession at the Shariatpur court premises.Sanwar Mallick alleged that he was assaulted on the stairs of the District and Sessions Judge’s Court and was subsequently dragged towards the front of the court building and beaten again.Two other lawyers, Shaheen Khan and Tania Sultana, also alleged that attackers entered their chambers in a building near the Lawyers’ Association and assaulted them. Their chambers were reportedly vandalised during the incident.The BNP leader named in reports denied responsibility for the assaults. Mahbub Morshed said the BNP had organised the procession to protest activities associated with the Awami League but said he did not know who, if anyone, had carried out violence during the demonstration.Rights Body Condemns Assault on LawyersJustice Makers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) expressed concern over the incident, particularly because the reported violence took place on court premises.The organisation said courts should remain safe and independent and should not become places for partisan intimidation. It also stressed that a lawyer’s actual, alleged or perceived political affiliation should not be used to justify violence or harassment.JMBF called on Bangladesh’s authorities to conduct an independent, transparent and effective investigation and hold those responsible accountable, regardless of their political affiliation or status.Police Say Legal Action Will Follow ComplaintAccording to Bangladeshi reports, police reached the court premises after receiving information about the assault, but the situation had already returned to normal.Palong Model Police Station officer Shah Alam said that no party had submitted a written complaint at the time. He said legal action would be taken if a formal complaint was filed.The incident has drawn attention to concerns surrounding political tensions and the safety of lawyers and judicial institutions in Bangladesh. The rights group has urged authorities to ensure that lawyers can carry out their professional duties without fear of politically motivated violence.
