During the remand hearing of former minister and Awami League Advisory Council member Amir Hossain Amu, his lawyer, Swapan Ray Chowdhury, was allegedly attacked by pro-BNP lawyers.
The incident took place on Thursday morning in the courtroom of Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Shahin Reza.
Public Prosecutor (PP) Omar Faruq of the Dhaka Metropolitan Sessions Judge Court made a statement in favor of the remand, which Amu’s lawyer referred to as political.
This sparked an aggressive response from pro-BNP lawyers. Several lawyers reportedly grabbed Swapan Ray’s collar, dragged him, and pushed him to the ground in front of the courtroom door.
They then kicked him repeatedly inside the courtroom. Other lawyers later pulled him out of the court.
Swapan Ray later claimed that the court remained passive during the attack. "While the judge was present, 10-20 lawyers from the opposing side attacked me. The PP made political remarks, and I pointed it out. The government lawyers then attacked me, pushed me to the ground, and kicked me. I did not receive any security, and the court remained silent. Bangladesh is in a state of insecurity," he said.
Public Prosecutor Omar Faruk, however, explained that two factions of the Awami League were present in the court for the hearing. A dispute between them over who would speak led to the chaotic situation in the courtroom.