Dhaka: A Dhaka court on Sunday ordered the imprisonment of 70 lawyers aligned with the ruling Awami League party, in connection with charges of assault and attempted murder of fellow advocates during last year’s violent protests that led to the fall of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s government.
Metropolitan Sessions Judge Mohammad Zakir Hossain passed the order after the accused appeared in court seeking bail.
While the majority were denied bail and sent to Dhaka Central Jail, nine female lawyers and former Dhaka Bar president Abu Sayeed Sagor were granted relief.
The accused had previously secured anticipatory bail from the High Court, which expired after eight weeks. Upon surrendering before the sessions court, they were taken into custody.
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The charges stem from last year’s political unrest that resulted in widespread clashes, with at least 1,400 people reported dead.
A total of 144 lawyers face criminal charges related to the violence, according to court officials.
Meanwhile, in a separate protest on Sunday, hundreds of dismissed personnel from the Bangladesh Rifles staged a demonstration in Dhaka, demanding reinstatement and compensation.
