Professional bodies and individuals on Saturday continued to condemn degrading of Asif Nazrul, the adviser to ministries of law, justice and parliamentary affairs, and expatriates’ welfare and overseas employment.
Nazrul, also a law professor at Dhaka University, was reportedly harassed and subjected to degrading treatment by some unruly people on Thursday at Geneva International Airport while departing from an official visit to Switzerland.
In a press release issued on Friday, the Bangladesh Judicial Service Association denounced the attack, calling it a ‘heinous and audacious act’ against Asif Nazrul.
They condemned the ‘uncivilised’ behaviour directed towards him and demanded swift, exemplary punishment for those responsible once identified.
‘Such treatment of a Bangladeshi state representative abroad is a grave affront to our national dignity and patriotism,’ the association stated, urging all parties concerned to protect the nation’s image and prevent similar incidents.
Attorney general Md Asaduzzaman joined in condemning the ‘degrading treatment’ of Nazrul and demanded exemplary punishment for those involved in it, expressing concern over the disrespect shown to a senior state adviser and noted professor.
In a separate statement, Bangladesh Nationalist Party acting chairperson Tarique Rahman also condemned the incident, describing it as ‘emblematic of the Awami League’s intent to complicate Bangladesh’s democratic transition and undermine democratic norms.’
The Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Ainjibi Forum, a BNP-affiliated lawyers’ association, blamed ‘unruly Awami League activists’ for the attack on Nazrul.
Signed by Forum president Zainul Abedin and general secretary Kayser Kamal, the statement alleged that deposed prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s leaked instructions had incited such behaviour by calling for disruptive actions among party members.
The Bangladesh Law Association, representing former and current law students, also voiced strong disapproval of the attack on Nazrul, condemning the treatment of their former teacher and urging respect for state representatives.