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Published : 09 Jun 2026, 04:30 PM
A group of 61 lawyers who were incarcerated during the tenure of the previous interim government has demanded the trial of former chief advisor Muhammad Yunus.
The Awami League-aligned lawyers formed a human chain at the Dhaka Metropolitan Sessions Judges’ Court premises on Tuesday and called for Yunus to be brought to justice.
Lawyer Mahfuzur Rahman Likhon, one of those released from prison, said they had been sent to jail on Apr 6 last year and secured release on Jun 6 after spending two months behind bars.
He described the day as "Release Day".
Likhon said they had planned to observe the anniversary on Jun 6 this year but could not do so because of another programme.
Tuesday's human chain was organised to formally mark the occasion, he said.
Addressing the gathering, he criticised restrictions on Awami League-aligned lawyers barring them from participating in elections and conducting legal practice.
He also called for the withdrawal of cases filed against lawyers who had been imprisoned.
Among those attending the programme were released lawyers Obaidul Islam, Liton Mia, Touhid and Shamim Al Sohag Saiful, among others.
Lawyer Liton said, “On the 6th of April last year, 61 lawyers were sent to jail without committing any offence by Dr Yunus. We were released on the 6th of June. We are observing the day as release day and demanding his trial for sending lawyers to jail illegally.”
According to the case documents, the suspects gathered unlawfully in front of the Dhaka Bar Association during the July Uprising on Aug 4, 2024, carrying weapons and sticks and creating panic.
The complaint alleges they detonated explosives and shouted slogans in support of ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina.
It further says that when a lawyer came out of the Dhaka Bar Association building after a court hearing, suspect Anwar Shahadat Shawon allegedly pointed a pistol at him while wearing a helmet with intent to kill.
A case was later filed with Kotwali Police Station over the incident.
On Apr 6 last year, the 61 lawyers surrendered before a court and sought bail.
After a hearing, the court rejected their petitions and ordered them sent to jail.
They were granted bail after spending nearly two months in custody.
