=) VIOEENCE ‘ ‘\ JusticeMakers Bangladesh (JMBD) By JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF)Report on VIOLENCE AGAINST LAWYERS IN BANGLADESH 2022 Edited by: Advocate Shahanur Islam Founder Secretary General JusticeMakers Bangladesh (JMBD) & Founder President JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) Email: shahanurislam@jmbf.org, saikotbihr@gmail.com https://www.shahanurblogspot.com Published at & on: Paris, France ‘August 2023 Published by: JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) 107 Rue Galleini 93000 Bobigny, France Email: info@jmbf.org, contact,jmbf@gmail.com hitps://www.jmbf.org; https://twitter.com/JusticemakersBF, https://www.facebook.com/JMBF23 Copyright © JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF), 2023. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior permission of JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF).04 05 06 07 08 09 09 10 cr 12 13 15 16 17 19 20 21 23 24 25 27 27 28 28 CONTENT Secretary General's Forward Vision, Mission and Values of JMBD Introduction of JMBD: Readers need to know Over all objectives and Aims of JMBF Specific Objectives of MBF Introduction Legal Framework General Situation Types of Perpetrators Reasons of Violence Physical Attacks and Assaults Violence by the Court Officials Violence by the Security Forces Attempt of killing Murder Fabricating Cases Misuse of Digital Security Act Kidnap and Ramson Membership Suspension Threats and Intimidation Observation Causes of Violence against Lawyers Consequences of Violence against Lawyers RecommendationsSECRETARY GENERAL’S FORWARD It is @ great honor to write this message for the JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF)'s behalf and indeed, to publish this annual report for the period of January to December 2022. This report summarizes the incident of violence against lawyers in Bangladesh documented by Justice Makers Bangladesh (JMBD) during the mentioned period. This report, prepared by JusticeMtakers Bangladesh in France in August 2023 and published from France provides an in-depth analysis of the violence against lawyers that occurred in Bangladesh in 2022. It aims to draw attention to the alarming situation of violence against lawyers in the country and highlights the forms of violence that lawyers have faced, such as physical attacks, assault, beatings, murder, rape, kidnappings, fabricating cases, arrests, threats, intimidation, attempted murder, and judicial harassment. The report also discusses gender-based differences in the violence faced by male and female lawyers This report is unique as no other organization in Bangladesh or elsewhere has previously published a comprehensive report on this topic for Bangladesh. The report provides detailed information on the incidents of violence against lawyers, including the number of lawyers affected, the nature of the violence, and the consequences of the violence. It also ‘examines the legal and institutional framework for the protection of lawyers in Bangladesh and the challenges faced in implementing these mechanisms. JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (IMBF) hopes that this report will raise awareness about the issue of violence against lawyers in Bangladesh and encourage stakeholders to take necessary action to protect the rights of lawyers and ensure their safety. This report is based on available data and may not represent the complete picture of violence against lawyers in Bangladesh in 2022. Further investigations and studies are necessary to gain @ comprehensive understanding of the issue. | would like to express my gratitude to all of its development partners and the government of Bangladesh involved in the results highlighted within the reports. | wish every success of JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) in the coming years! Paris, France ‘Advocate Shahanur Islam ‘August 2023 Founder President Email: satkotbihr@gmail.com www.shahanurblogspot.com 1|PagesticeMakers Bangladesh (JMBD) A country without any form of Human Rights violation and discrimination, ‘The main spirit covers three main thematic areas- Rehabilitation, Justice + To ensure human rights throughout the country through maintaining the legal and financial rights of the all Bangladesh people. and Awareness. + Toserve mankind especially who are victim of torture, mal treatment and organized violence as well as other human rights violation indifferent to race or religion, sex or age. + Enable the government andthe non-government organizations to observe, learn and understand closely and concretely the impacts of different legislations on the life and livelihood of common people. + Integrity: We are a responsible and accountable organization, committed to the highest standards of services. + Inclusivity: ‘We work collaboratively throughout the organization, govt. and with national and international partners. + Effectiveness: ‘We ensure the highest level of utilization of time, labor and resources. 2| PageES fe} re 4 r (2 a a a z n 4 i a 4 Po 4 INTRODUCTION OF JMBD: usticeMakers Bangladesh (JMBD) that established in 2010, is a - + Not-for-Profit; + non-partisan and + non-political organization and + non-governmental organization; that aims to promote, educate, protect, and realize human rights, including civil and political rights, for all individuals, regardless of their sex, caste, race, or faith. Established in 2010, JMBD is dedicated to fighting against all forms of discrimination and impunity, especially those targeting ethnic-Indigenous, religious, social, and sexual minority communities, The organization also provides assistance to victims of torture, extrajudicial killing, forced disappearance, and organized violence, particularly women and children, who have limited access to human rights resources in Bangladesh. Moreover, JMBD supports human rights defenders, including lawyers, journalists, bloggers, and artists, who face risks while addressing human rights violations in Bangladesh. The organization acknowledges the importance of empowering these individuals in their efforts to uphold human rights principles and hold perpetrators accountable. One of JMBD's activities is operating a documentation center that systematically collects data on human rights abuses from various sources, including newspapers, online publications, news websites, and its network members. The collected information, including incidents of violence against lawyers and advocates in Bangladesh, is stored in a computer database at the library of JusticeMakers Bangladesh (JMBD) and archived in safer place. 3|PageusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) is an independent non-profit, non partisan human rights organization registered in France with registration number W931027714 under the association law of 1901, dedicated to defending human rights, fighting for justice, and ‘empowering communities in Bangladesh and beyond. COO el Ruy) (canyon ‘The overall objective of "JusticeMaker Bangladesh in France (JMBF)" is to contribute to the defense, promotion, education, protection, and realization of human rights, including civil and political rights, regardless of sex, caste, race, and faith retes hicist i. The aims of JMBF are to defend against all forms of discrimination and impunity against ethnic-Indigenous, religious (Hindu, Buddhist, Christian, Ahmedia), social (Dalit), and sexual (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex+) minority communities, as well as victims of torture, extrajudicial killing, forced disappearance, and organized violence, including women and children, by assisting individuals throughout Bangladesh who have little or no access to human rights resources. ii, In addition, JMBF aims to extend support to human rights defenders, lawyers, journalists, bloggers, and artists at risk who are dealing with human rights violations in Bangladesh iii, JMBF also aims to enable access to existing support services for Bangladeshi-origin asylum seekers, refugees, and immigrants living in France. 4|PageSpecific Objectives of JMBF: ‘The specific objectives of JMBF include, but are not limited to: 1 IL ML Vv. vi. vil. Upholding the United Nations principles and Universal Declaration of Human Rights, as well as the European Protocol & Convention of Human Rights, in Bangladesh. Materializing truth, justice, and complete reparation for serious violations of human rights of minority people in Bangladesh, through legal and political actions at the international, national, and local levels where human rights have been systematically violated. Ensuring physical, legal, and moral support, as well as social and economic reintegration, to victims of human rights violations against minority people throughout Bangladesh, Ensuring education, awareness, training, and dissemination of information related to global human rights instruments among local-level professionals to prevent all forms of human rights violations against minority people. Ensuring access to support from human rights organizations for victims of human rights violations, which will lead to building up institutions and human rights defenders at the community level in Bangladesh. Sensitizing on specific issues of human rights violations, conducting lobbying, campaigning, and advocacy activities at the national and international levels based on research findings on legal and human rights aspects, to protect and promote human rights in Bangladesh. Ensuring easy access to support services provided by the Republic of France for Bangladeshi refugees, asylum seekers, and immigrants living in France, by disseminating information and establishing a strong reference mechanism. 5]'TRODUCTION: Violence against lawyers is a serious issue that poses significant challenges to the legal profession and the rule of law in Bangladesh. As defenders of justice and advocates for human rights, lawyers play a crucial role in upholding the country’s legal system. However, the incidents of violence against lawyers in 2022 have raised grave concerns, as lawyers face numerous challenges in carrying out their professional duties. The diverse forms of violence and the high number of incidents highlight the urgent need for immediate action from the government, legal authorities, and civil society to protect lawyers and ensure their safety and security. Itis essential to address the root causes of violence, hold the perpetrators accountable, and create a safe environment for lawyers to carry out their essential roles in upholding justice and the rule of law. . LEGAL FRAMEWORK: In Bangladesh, lawyers and advocates are governed by the Bangladesh Legal Practitioners and Bar Council Order, 1972, the Bangladesh Legal Practitioners and Bar Council Rule, 1972, and the Bangladesh Bar Council Canons of Professional Conduct and Etiquette adopted in 1969. These regulations provide the framework for the licensing, regulation, and professional conduct of lawyers in the country. Under Article 19(2) of the Bar Council Order, an advocate is entitled to practice throughout Bangladesh and appear, act, and plead before any court, tribunal, or revenue authority in Bangladesh, subject to the provisions of the Bar Council Order and Rules. According to Rule 06(1) of the Bar Council Rules, no person can practice as an advocate unless they are a member of a Bar Association at the place where they ordinarily practice. This means that an advocate who is not a member of any recognized Bar Association is not authorized to appear, act, and plead before any court, tribunal, or revenue authority in Bangladesh. ‘These regulations and requirements aim to ensure the professional standards and integrity of lawyers and advocates in Bangladesh, as well as maintain a system where individuals have the rright to legal representation from qualified professionals . GENERAL SITUATION: In 2022, a total of 88 lawyers reportedly became victims of violence in 50 incidents, out of which 82 were male and 6 were female, Nine lawyers were directly involved with Bangladesh 6|Nationalist Party (BNP), six were in Bangladesh Awami League (BAL) and res of the lawyers political involvement was not openly recognized. The forms of violence ranged from physical attacks, assault, beatings, murder, rape, kidnappings, fabricating cases, arrests, threats, intimidation, attempts of murder, and judicial harassment. Violence-Wise Ini 5 Fi | a | i js a i Among the 88 lawyers, 3 were killed, 16 were physically assaulted, 4 were attempted to be murdered, and 15 lawyers were arrested and put in jail custody. In addition, one lawyer was kidnappedd, beaten, and forced to pose for nude pictures for ransom, 4 were suspended from their professional association, one was judicially harassed, one lawyer received death threats and was intimidated four times, and one was allegedly raped by a senior lawyer. Furthermore, 61 lawyers were implicated in 23 fabricated criminal cases, while 5 were implicated in the Draconian Digital Security Act for criticizing the present activities of the prime minister and her family members, as well as the Prophet of Islam, Muhammad through Facebook and social media post. Among them, 21 incidents were perpetrated in the Dhaka division, 12 in the Rajshahi division, 9 ion, and 1 incident each in in the Chittagong division, 3 in the Sylhet division, 2 in the Khulna divi theMymensing Rangpur and Barishal divisions. 7TYPE OF PERPETRATORS: The perpetrators of violence against lawyers included criminal groups, organized opponent groups, coworkers, court staff, police, clients, senior lawyers, personal enemies, and others. The majority of the perpetrators were criminal, coworker and organized opponent groups, Fifteen incidents were perpetrated by criminal groups, and eight incidents were perpetrated by organized opponent groups. Shockingly, ten incidents were perpetrated by coworkers, with four incidents involving court staff protecting their corrupt practices. Four incidents were 8|perpetrated by the police, abusing their arbitrary power. Two incidents were perpetrated by clients, three incidents perpetrated by Islamic extremist group, one by the victim's husband, one by a senior lawyer and res of by others. . REASONS FOR VIOLENCE: The motivations behind these acts of violence varied and included personal enmity, alleged violations of religious rules, defamation through social media posts, differing political opinions, social activities, professional activities, economic benefits, and even dowry-related matters. REASON-WISE INCIDENTS 7” | earl cree Soy Sra) eae Others Cont c ey During the reporting period, nine incidents were a result of internal conflicts. Three incidents involved allegations of violating religious rules and sentiments through social activities, as well as Facebook and other social media posts. Three incidents were related to allegations of defamation through Facebook posts, including images of the prime minister and the Republic of Bangladesh. Eight incidents had political motivations, while four incidents were rooted in social issues. Fighteen incidents were related to lawyers carrying out their professional duties, one incident was related to a dowry issue and rest of the incidents related to others issues. ‘These incidents often occur in court premises, police stations, or during legal proceedings. Lawyers representing unpopular clients or taking up cases involving influential individuals and powerful groups are particularly vulnerable to such violence. Some lawyers are subjected to different forms of violence simultaneously. 9|. PHYSICAL ATTACKS AND ASSAULTS: Physical attacks, assaults, beatings, and attempted murder toward lawyers are the most common forms of violence in Bangladesh. During the reporting period, 27 lawyers were physically attacked, 18 lawyers were physically assaulted, 19 lawyers were beaten, and 4 lawyers were the victims of attempted murder, On 26th January, Advocate Rizvi Shaon, Ashrafuzzaman Prince, and Palban of Pabna Bar Association were physically attacked and assaulted by a group of criminals. The incident occurred when the lawyers were trying to rescue a witness who had been abducted by the criminals near the court premises, The attackers pursued the lawyers, and at one point, when the lawyers sought shelter inside the municipal gate, the assailants continued to beat them there as well On August 29th, Advocate NoornaviSardar of the Gazipur Bar Association was threatened and forcefully taken to the balcony by a group of 8 to 10 individuals, including the defendant and his lawyer, after completing a hearing against the Mayor of Gazipur City Corporation in court. They physically assaulted him, resulting in injuries to the lawyer. The assailants fled the scene when journalists arrived after receiving the news. Subsequently, the injured lawyer received first aid at ShaheedTajuddin Ahmed Medical College Hospital. 10|On September 27th, Adv, SamsuzzamanZaman of the Sylhet Bar Association was attacked with intent to murder at the Sylhet Metropolitan Sessions Court building. After oppo: ga defendant's bail application, he was threatened and assaulted by 2-3 unidentified individuals, including the main accused in the case, Kamal Ahmed. Fortunately, he was rescued by other people present, and the accused was apprehended and handed over to the court police. . VIOLENCE BY THE COURT OFFICIAL: On 13th January, Thursday, lawyer AbulKalam of Sirajganj Bar Association was physically attacked and assaulted by terrorists in his court chambers. The attack was instigated by Judicial Magistrate's Court stenographer Yusuf Ali after Lawyer AbulKalam refused to pay an additional bribe to him. Later, on 16th Sunday night, Yusuf Ali, the stenographer of the Judicial Magistrate's Court, filed a case accusing 11 lawyers of assaulting him in the courtroom on Thursday afternoon On November 3rd, Advocate Md. ManzoorAlam, a member of the Chittagong Bar Association and 11|Southern University Law Alumni Association, was attacked by employees, including bench assistants, at the Chittagong Ist Joint District and Sessions Judge Court. Advocate Md. ManzoorAlam, who sustained injuries in the attack, filed a complaint with the District Lawyers Association regarding the incident. According to the complaint, on November 3rd at around 4 pm, an argument ensued between the accused and the lawyer after they examined the case documents and cause list. Subsequently, the lawyer was physically assaulted. Following the attack, the lawyer sought medical treatment at Chittagong Medical University Hospital. . VIOLENCEBY THE SECURITY FORCES: On 17th January, a senior lawyer from the Chadpur Bar Association was brutally beaten by Sub Inspector Imon Miah of Chadpur Model Police Station in Chadpur town, The incident occurred while the lawyer was defending an auto driver from abusive interrogation, As a result, the lawyer had to be admitted to the hospital for treatment, Later, on 24th January, Sub Inspector Imon Miah of Chadpur Model Police Station filed a case with ChadpurSadar Model Police Station, accusing the lawyer of beating him and obstructing him from performing his public duty. On 7th June, advocate Sohabul Islam Roni and his wife advocate YasinjahanNishan, who are ‘members of the Dhaka Bar Association, were verbally abused and harassed by a traffic sergeant near Jurain police box while they were on their way to fulfill their professional duties. Following the incident, the lawyer couple, along with another lawyer named Yashin Arafat Bhuiyan, were arrested. Subsequently, afalse and harassing case was filed against them at Shyampur police station, Later, the three lawyers were brought to court after their arrest in connection with the case, During their time in police custody, Sohabul Islam Roni was subjected to torture, Despite their application for bail, it was rejected, and instead, they were remanded for three days at the police's request. 2|. ATTEMPT OF MURDER: On 21st January, Advocates Saju Mia and Rashid Miah of Gaibandha Bar Association were attacked with various sharp weapons while mediating a land dispute in GobindaganjUpazila Advocate Saju Mia was grievously injured in the attack. With the help of locals, they were admitted to the Upazila Health Complex for treatment. However, when Advocate Saju Mia's physical condition deteriorated, the doctor immediately referred them to BograShajimek Hospital for better treatment On13th March, Mejba Uddin Sharif, a lawyer of the Supreme Court of Bangladesh, was subjected to a brutal attack with the intent to kill him in Moghbazar, under the jurisdiction of Hatirjheel police station. The assailant assaulted him by striking him on the head, eyes, and ears Following the attack, the lawyer received initial medical treatment at Dhaka Medical College Hospital with the assistance of a passerby, and subsequently, he filed a First Information Report (FIR) at Ramna police station to officially report the incident. On 6th June, Advocate Sohag Fakir, a lawyer from Dhaka Judge Court, was brutally attacked by terrorists Azizul Fakir, Alam Fakir, and their accomplices who had unlawfully occupied his land. ‘The attackers had the intent to kill him and used a ramada to strike his head, while also randomly hitting various parts of his body with an iron rod and a bamboo stick, resulting in severe injuries. Due to the seriousness of his condition, the victim was immediately admitted to Gopalganj Sadar 13 |Hospital for treatment. A First Information Report (FIR) has been filed at Muksudpur police station regarding the incident. On July Sth, Arafat Hossain, an apprentice lawyer from the Thakurgaon Bar Association, was e incident occurred in the brutally attacked by terrorists, resulting in severe injuries. DogachilslamiaDakhil Madrasa field in BaliadangiUpazila while he was returning home to Baliadangi from the lawyer's chamber in the Amtali area of Thakurgaon. Three local terrorists, namely Saddam, Manik, and Zulfikar, assaulted him using domestic weapons. Arafat was rescued and immediately taken to Thakurgaon Modern Sadar Hospital for medical treatment by the people in the vicinity. On July 15th, Advocate AbulKalam, a member of the Dhaka Bar Association, was subjected to a life-threatening attack by a group of criminals in retaliation for his involvement in a criminal case against them. Despite the court issuing warrants for the accused, they continued to threaten and intimidate him even after being granted bail. Advocate AbulKalam sought assistance from Savar Model Police Station, but no measures were taken to ensure his safety. While returning home that day, he was ambushed by 4-5 armed assailants who viciously stabbed him multiple times, targeting his entire body, including his head. This left him unconscious until local residents intervened and came to his rescue. He was immediately rushed to Sir Salimullah Medical College Hospital for urgent medical attention, 14|. MurDER: On 7th July, HafizulHaque Chowdhury Ujjal, an apprentice lawyer, was brutally murdered in MadanUpazila of Netrokona. The incident took place in Chalakanda village of Fatepur Union in the Upazila, Hafizul had completed his law studies at Chittagong Islamic University and was working as an apprentice lawyer at Mymensingh Judge Court. According to the police and local sources, a longstanding dispute over territorial control existed between EmdadulHlaque Chowdhury's family, who is the father of the deceased, and Farooq Mia, a former Union Parishad (UP) member in the neighboring area. Clashes had previously occurred > in relation to this dispute. On the day of the incident, Hafizul, the son of EmdadulHaque, was found alone in front of Faroog Mia's house by individuals affiliated with Farooq Mia. They attacked him with a sharp weapon, causing fatal injuries. Local residents rushed Hafizul to MadanUpazila Health Complex upon hearing his screams, but he was pronounced dead by the doctors, On November Sth, Abdul Bari Chan, an apprentice lawyer of Bogura Judge Court, passed away in a hospital in BoguraSadarupazila. He had been stabbed on November 1st following a property-related dispute. The attack took place near his home in ChakFarid area, and it was allegedly carried out by locals who had an ongoing conflict with him regarding property matters. Local residents and his relatives immediately rushed him to ShaheedZiaur Rahman Medical College. Subsequently, his wife Runa Mahmud filed a case against five identified individuals and five to seven unidentified persons at BoguraSadar Police Station. 15 |. FABRICATING CASES: 42 (Forty-two) lawyers were implicated in 19 criminal cases. Among them, four lawyers were implicated under the heavily criticized Digital Security Act. On 18th May, RabiulHasan, the Administrative Officer of the Supreme Court Bar, filed a case with Shahbag Police Station against six pro-BNP lawyers. The charges include vandalism of the chamber of the secretary of the Supreme Court Bar and physically assaulting other lawyers. The incident occurred during a fight and scuffle between lawyers supported by the Awami League and BNP over the occupation of the post of secretary of the Bangladesh Supreme Court Lawyers Association. The accused individuals in the case are GaziKamrul Islam Sajal, who is the General Secretary of the Supreme Court Branch of the Bangladesh Nationalist Lawyers Forum and a member of the BNP National Executive Committee; NooreAlam Siddiqui Sohag, serving as the Special Secretary; Qayyum and Russell Ahmed, both holding the position of Joint Secretary; Kamrul Islam, an Executive Member of the Supreme Court Bar and a member of the Lawyer Forum; and Sagar Hossain, who is the Information and Research Affairs Secretary. On 8th December, Mustafa ZamanMizu, a member of Jessore Bar association and an activist of Bangladesh National Party (BNP), was arrested in front of the BNP central office in Paltan, Dhaka. He was arrested for giving interviews to news media, including YouTubers. Mizu was taken into custody and transported to the Paltan police station in a prison van. Although he claimed to be an advocate and shouted about coming from Jessore to Dhaka, he was not allowed to speak with the media during the arrest, 16 |. Misuse oF Dicitat Security Act (DSA): ‘The government of Bangladesh is using the repressive Digital Security Act (DSA) of 2018 to suppress its citizens, including lawyers, resulting in a severe restriction of freedom of expression. During the reporting period, five lawyers were falsely implicated under the DSA, and one of them was arrested and imprisoned. On 10th January, SatkaniaUpazilaAwami League Joint General Secretary HussainKabir filed a case against Advocate Md. Kamal Uddin of Chittagong Bar Association. The charge against Advocate Kamal Uddin was spreading false propaganda on social media, specifically on Facebook, alleging nomination trading against Chittagong South District Awami League President Moshlem Uddin Ahmad MP. The case was filed under Sections 23, 25, 29, and 31 of the Digital Security Act. Chittagong Cyber Tribunal Judge SKM TofailHasan accepted the case and ordered the Police Bureau of Investigation (PBI) to conduct an investigation and submit a report, On 28thFebruary, Badarganj Municipality Ward Councilor Faruk Hossain Madhu filed a case against Advocate Waliur Rahman Dolon, a lawyer from the Dhaka Judge Court. The charge against Advocate Dolon was for insulting Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, her family members, and top 17|leaders of the Awami League on Facebook. The case was registered with the Badarganj Police Station in Rangpur under the Digital Security Act. According to the police and case sources, Waliur Rahman Dolon made a Facebook post mocking the long queue of people waiting to buy TCB products. In the post, he wrote that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Sheikh Rehana, SajibWazed Joy, SaimaWazedPutul, Khaleda Zia, Tarek Zia, and GM Quader should run behind the truck to get TCB products. Badarganj Municipality Ward Councilor Faruk Hossain Madhu was offended by the post and filed the case as the plaintiff, invoking the Digital Security Act. On March 3rd, Advocate ShahnewazHasan, a member of the Faridpur Bar Association, was arrested by the police in Faridpur, Bangladesh, He was charged with insulting Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the father of the nation, as well as Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Sheikh Rehana, and MP Mojibur Rahman Chowdhury (Nixon) on Facebook. The eS = arrest was made under the Digital Security Act, as Shahnewaz was accused of committing an anti-state offense by making i J Cbecene comments about the mentioned indWviduals.The offensive comments were posted on Facebook using the profile ‘A1 News’, where cartoons or caricatures with pictures of the family members of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman were shared, The posts contained various obscene remarks about them. Shahnewaz, using his own Facebook account, shared the post in question. Mehdi HasanChandan, an employee of MP Nixon, filed a case against Shahnewaz at Bhanga police station as the plaintiff. On 1Sth March, Advocate GolamKibria Tariq Talukdar, a member of the Bagerhat Bar Association, was arrested by Morolganj Police from Morelganj market. The arrest was made in connection with a case filed under the Digital Security Act at Morelganj Police Station in Bagerhat. The case was initiated by Professor Nitish Biswas, the Principal of Morelganj Government Siraj Uddin Memorial College. Advocate GolamKibria Tariq is charged with posting defamatory and derogatory content on Facebook, specifically targeting Principal Nitish Biswas, his family, teachers, and staff members. These posts have not only 18 |tarnished the reputation of the college but also caused harm to the image of the teachers and their families. On July 17th, a case was filed by Gazi Mod Mohasin against Advocate Saifur Reza, a lawyer of the Supreme Court of Bangladesh, with the cyber tribunal in Dhaka. The case was filed based on the accusation of insulting the Prophet Muhammad, the founder of Islam, through his Facebook posts. These posts contained derogatory comments about the Holy Prophet (PBUH), which have deeply hurt the religious sentiments of Muslims. The case has been filed under Sections 28(1) and 28(2) of the Digital Security Act-2018. Following the filing of the case, the cyber tribunal judge in Dhaka, Assam Jaglul Hossain, has ordered an investigation to be conducted by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the police. . KIDNAP AND RANSOM: On 20th November night, Md. HumayunKabirBachchu Vice President of Barguna District Lawyers Association was kidnapped by miscreants who tricked him into taking obscene pictures of a woman and demanded ransom. As the lawyer was on his way home, someone approached him with a request to make a case for his sick sister and took him to a four-story building near Barguna Stadium, where he was beaten and forced to take obscene pictures with a woman. The miscreants then demanded Tk 10 lakh from the lawyer's wife and threatened to kill him if they didn't receive the money. An hour later, Barguna detective police rescued the lawyer in a bloody state and admitted him to Barguna General Hospital. 19|. MEMBERSHIP SUSPENSION: On March 28th, Advocate HasnaHena, former Culture Affairs Secretary in the Chittagong District Lawyers Association, was expelled for life from the association. This decision was made during a meeting of the association in response to her sarcastic remarks about the association and offensive comments about lawyers that were posted on Facebook. Several lawyers had lodged complaints against HasnaHena, accusing her of posting defamatory content and exhibiting disrespectful behavior towards lawyers on social media platforms On July 15th, Advocate Saifur Reza, a lawyer of the Supreme Court of Bangladesh, had his membership suspended from the Supreme Court Bar Association. This action was taken due to his posting of an insulting status on Facebook against Prophet Muhammad, the founder of Islam. Allegedly, the posts contained derogatory comments about the Holy Prophet, causing significant offense to the religious sentiments of Muslims. The decision to suspend Advocate Saifur Reza's membership was made by the Supreme Court Bar Association committee, which is led by the ruling party, following a brief meeting. On October 18th, Advocate Mahbubul Islam, a member of the Manikganj Bar Association, was suspended for 15 days by the association, This action was taken in response to his protest against corruption among court staff. Advocate Mahbubul had distributed leaflets with the slogan 'Bribery, corruption, and justice do not go together’ and organized a human chain in front of the lawyers’ association along with his associates on October 10th. In light of these activities, the Manikganj District Lawyers’ Association issued a notice on October 18th, instructing Mahbubul to refrain from practicing law for 15 working days and also issuing a show cause notice. Expressing his disagreement with the association's decision, Mahbubul stated, "Begging is better than bribery” The association's complaint against Mahbubul revolves around the accusation that he created a division between the Manikganj bar and the bench by organizing the human chain in front of the association 20|. THREATS AND INTIMIDATION TOWARDS THE SECRETARY GENERAL OF JMBD - THE HumaN RIGHTS LAWYER: Shahanur Islam, a prominent human rights lawyer and founder secretary general of JusticeMakers Bangladesh, has been subjected to repeated threats and intimidation during the reporting period. On 14 February 2022, the Public Prosecutor in the presence of the President of the Bangladesh Student League of the Naogaon district branch and union president of Jubo League, reminded Mr. Islam. about the enforced disappearance of political a party leader and asked Mr. Islam not to file any case against the land acquisition. On the same day a member of the ruling party's student league’ from Naogaon district issued death threats against a journalist and Mr. Islam by mobile phone, specifically threatening Mr. Islam if he filed a pro-bono case against a land acquisition in Naogaon Court. On 25th August 2022 Shahanur Islam, a prominent human rights Thursday, 25 Aug * 10:17 pm lawyer and founder secretary general of JusticeMakers Bangladesh received threats message in English language over If you don't stop his phone from an unidentified number. The message states that your fighting aims if you don't stop fighting aims to establishment of homosexual to establishment of rights in BD, immediately you will be killed along with your homo sexual rights in family members brutally. BD, immidiately you will be killed along ‘Yesterday #1.07 pm On 6th September 2022 Shahanur Islam. with your family cora Pr Nata SH received another death threats SMS in members brutally. eae tert Brena Bengali over his mobile phone from an 25 Aug, 10:17 pm re Ts AB! GRR unidentified number The threatening SCC message states that do you have no fear of wat aa aT ART Te Sender doesn support repies omatMors erftors death? This county is only for Islam. There afta anor orercT preorececont is no space for homosexual people in this country. If you don’t stop to Pore oe i support homosexual people and continue your activities to establish corre onic Fes pp peop! x INTE GRO HVT rights of them, we ‘ii not take time to send you in to the hell along with your wife and kid, Still there is time, be well!” aa|