Hundreds of anticipatory bail seekers were left in limbo on Tuesday after a two-judge High Court bench abruptly left the courtroom without hearing any of the 811 cases scheduled for the day, amid chaotic scenes.
Of the 811 cases, 789 related to anticipatory bail petitions, many of which were filed by local leaders and activists of the recently ousted Awami League, who are accused in multiple murder cases stemming from the July-August student-led movement.
Lawyers informed 抖阴精品 that, following the disruption, chief justice Syed Refaat Ahmed replaced Justice Md Ataur Rahman Khan with Justice KM Hafizul Alam to preside over the bail hearings.
Following the incident, a complaint of professional misconduct was lodged with the chief justice, who promptly replaced Justice Ataur Rahman Khan with Justice KM Hafizul Alam to resume the bail hearings and reconstituted the bench with Justice Kazi Zinat Hoque.
He expressed concern that if the new bench did not list the bail applications for hearing on Wednesday, the petitioners would face further delays.
The chaos reportedly began when newly enrolled lawyer Ashraf Rahman accused the bench assistants of deliberately not listing his clients鈥� cases because he refused to pay bribes.
Ashraf鈥檚 complaint sparked a confrontation with Justice Md Ataur Rahman Khan, who advised him to follow the proper procedure for listing cases.
The situation escalated when Ashraf allegedly called the judge 鈥榗orrupt鈥� and accused him of favouritism toward pro-Awami League individuals.
At one point, Justice Ataur Rahman Khan, angered by the accusation, attempted to confront the lawyer.
A scuffle ensued between pro-Bangladesh Nationalist Party and pro-Awami League lawyers, further exacerbating the disorder in the courtroom.
Following the incident, a complaint of professional misconduct was lodged with the chief justice, who promptly replaced Justice Ataur Rahman Khan with Justice Kazi Zinat Hoque to resume the bail hearings.