High Court judge finds ‘ridiculous’ charges against Khandaker Mahbub

A High Court judge has said “ridiculous” charges against BNP leaders are “destroying image of the police”.

Justice Md Moinul Islam Chowdhury made the remarks at a hearing on a writ petition seeking a rule against cases on allegedly false charges against the BNP leaders on Monday.  

“Khandaker Mahbub is a senior lawyer of the Bar Has he too hurled cocktail bomb? This is ridiculous!” the judge said.

Deputy Attorney General Ekramul Haque Tutul pointed out that Khandaker Mahbub Hossain also held a post in a political party, the BNP.

“What are you saying! There's nothing in the law that says he cannot do politics. And more lawyers had been involved in politics in the past,” the judge said.  

Attorney General Mahbubey Alam then sought more time for hearing and the court granted his wish.

“Such cases would not have been started if you gave instructions. This is destroying the police’s image,” Justice Moinul told the top legal officer of the state.   

Khandaker Mahbub (File Photo)

Justice Md Ashraful Kamal was the other member of the bench.

The police started a number of cases against BNP leaders and activists before and after the party’s Sept 30 rally at the Suhrawardy Udyan on charges related to violence, which the party dismisses as false.

The BNP says its leaders and activists were accused in 4,149 cases initiated between Sept 1 and Oct 5 of vandalism, explosions and attack on police.

Three BNP lawyers, who are also accused in some of the cases, filed a writ petition at the High Court on Sept 23 seeking a halt on police harassment on imaginary charges.

They also sought formation of an independent committee to investigate whether bringing such charges was proper.

Besides Khandaker Mahbub, the petitioners are former minister Nitai Roy Chowdhury and former Dhaka Bar Association president Sanaullah Miah.

The lawyers said the court may issue orders on Tuesday after hearing from the attorney general.

Dr Kamal Hossain stood for the petitioners.

Earlier, in reaction to the BNP’s claim of false charges, the ruling Awami League’s General Secretary Obaidul Quader said the cases were started on specific information about the plans for acts of sabotage.