The Dhaka Bar Unit of the Bangladesh Nationalist Lawyers' Forum formally announced that it would not represent any of the accused in the brutal killing of scrap trader Md Sohag, also known as Lal Chand, who was murdered in front of Mitford Hospital in Old Dhaka on July 9.
The declaration came during a press conference held today on the second floor of the Dhaka Bar Association building.
Advocate Md Khurshid Alam, the forum's convenor, said, "We vehemently condemn the barbaric murder of Sohag. We call for the immediate arrest and prosecution of all those involved. Our unit has reached a principled decision that none of our members will represent the accused in this case. We also urge all other legal professionals to refrain from defending such heinous acts."
On July 9, a group of assailants attacked Sohag in broad daylight in front of Mitford Hospital. They beat him mercilessly, hurled stones and bricks at him, and ultimately stripped him naked, all the while continuing the assault.
The gruesome act was captured on video and widely circulated on social media, triggering widespread outrage across the country.
The following day, Sohag's sister Manjuara Begum filed a murder case at Kotwali Police Station. The complaint named 19 individuals and listed another 15 to 20 unidentified accused individuals.
As of Sunday, police had arrested seven suspects: Sajib Bepari, Rajib Bepari, Titon Gazi, Mahmudul Hasan Mohin, Tarek Rahman Robin, Alomgir, and Monir alias Chhoto Monir.
In a written statement, Advocate Khurshid Alam claimed the incident was being used to wrongfully implicate the BNP.
"Despite CCTV footage clearly showing the identities of the attackers, some quarters have, for reasons unknown, begun chanting slogans against our acting chairman, Tarique Rahman, and shifting blame to the BNP. This appears to be a calculated move by fascist elements seeking to discredit our party," he alleged.
"Since 2007, the BNP has been the most persecuted political party in this country. In the face of continuous repression, our leaders and activists remain steadfast in their commitment to the ideals of the late President Ziaur Rahman. The attempt to politicise this heinous crime against our party is both deplorable and unacceptable."
The decision by the BNP-affiliated lawyers to refrain from defending the accused is being interpreted by many as a gesture of ethical responsibility within the legal fraternity.
Legal analysts suggest the move reflects a balance between upholding professional integrity and maintaining the party's political position.
One senior lawyer, requesting anonymity, commented: "No lawyer should defend such an atrocity – it's a matter of basic human conscience. But at the same time, the dorum's strong stance against the politicisation of the case shows how sensitive the political environment has become."
Comments