Regarding the filing of cases Awami League leaders, former MPs and ministers without evidence, Supreme Court lawyer Sara Hossain has stated that these cases are undermining the achievements of the student movement.
She said that the cases will not last and will not be able to pass the initial stage.
Sara Hossain made these comments during a citizen dialogue organized by the Civil Reform Group-Bangladesh 2.0 on Saturday.
The event took place at the office of the Bangladesh Association of Software and Information Services (BASIS) in Karwan Bazar, Dhaka.
Sara Hossain, the Honorary Executive Director of the Bangladesh Legal Aid and Services Trust (BLAST), said that over the past two weeks, various types of cases have been registered, with some involving 30, 40, or even 50 accused individuals.
Many may have anger and resentment, but writing such cases will not work, and will not last. These will not pass the first step.
She commented that these cases are casting doubt on the movement and its outcomes, and such practices must be stopped.
Sara Hossain questioned whether the police are handling these cases honestly and with integrity, stating that the FIRs (First Information Reports) are not meant to be a place for expressing grievances.
She also noted that defamation cases from the British colonial era are still being filed, a practice that has reemerged recently. She expressed disappointment that British-era laws are being invoked in the new independent state.
Regarding what is happening with the ministers and parliament members in remand, and what is being reported by the media, Sara Hossain said that information about what was said during 15 years of remand is being leaked to the media.
She criticized the publication of such statements, asserting that no one has been held accountable for this. She called for an end to the public release of statements made during remand, urging that the law be allowed to proceed properly.
She emphasized that the anger and frustration of individuals should not be directed through these legal proceedings.
Sara Hossain highlighted that at least 80 children were killed in the quota reform movement and student uprising.
She urged that if anyone has video footage of these deaths, it should be collected and used as evidence in the cases.
She called for the court to be given the opportunity to act and for directives to be issued to ensure swift justice for those killed in the uprising. This would allow progress in national development efforts.