Chief justice Syed Refaat Ahmed on Thursday expressed deep concern over the recent security breaches at courts across Bangladesh, describing the incidents as ‘rare,’ ‘unprecedented,’ and ‘alarming.’
He emphasised the need for urgent measures to ensure the safety and security of judicial premises, judges, and court officials.
On Wednesday, a group of lawyers disrupted a High Court session presided over by Justice Md Ashraful Kamal and Justice Kazi Waliul Islam, hurling eggs and shouting at the judges.
The commotion forced the judges to leave the courtroom, marking an unprecedented attack on judicial authority within the courtroom itself.
In a separate incident on Tuesday, assistant public prosecutor Saiful Islam Alif was hacked to death during a violent clash on the Chattogram court premises.
The violence erupted after a Chattogram metropolitan magistrate rejected the bail plea of Krishna Das Brahmachari Chinmoy, a former leader of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), and ordered his detention.
The Supreme Court issued a notification on Thursday, assuring that measures were being taken to maintain normalcy and ensure uninterrupted judicial services.
Registrar general Aziz Ahmed Bhuiyan stated that Chief Justice Ahmed had directed all courts to take steps to prevent further disruptions and ensure security at judicial premises nationwide.
‘The judiciary is one of the three main organs of the state, and its independence must be safeguarded to ensure the rule of law,’ the notification said.
The chief justice called for immediate and comprehensive measures to protect court premises and courtrooms, judges’ residences and transport, court employees and related personnel.
Law enforcement agencies have been instructed to enhance security at all courts and tribunals.
The chief justice underscored the importance of creating a safe environment for justice seekers, emphasising that such incidents harm public confidence in the judiciary.
The Chief Justice convened a meeting with attorney general Md Asaduzzaman, leaders of the Supreme Court Bar Association, and senior lawyers.
He sought their cooperation in strengthening security measures and ensuring that judicial functions remain unaffected.
‘The recent incidents are a wake-up call for urgent action to uphold the rule of law and maintain the integrity of the judiciary,’ said a senior Supreme Court official.
The chief justice reiterated his commitment to protect the judiciary’s image and ensuring that justice is delivered without fear or obstruction.
Supreme Court Bar Association president AM Mahbub Uddin Khokon later informed journalists that the disruption in the High Court was connected to the ongoing ISKCON-related clashes at the Chattogram court premises.
He assured that the bar association would launch an investigation into the High Court incident and take disciplinary action against any lawyers found involved in the disruption.
‘This incident is deeply concerning, and we are committed to holding those responsible accountable,’ Khokon stated.    Â
