Scuffle breaks out between two groups of pro-BNP lawyers at Narayanganj court premises

Two groups of pro-BNP lawyers were involved in a scuffle at the Narayanganj court premises this afternoon (6 October), leaving the district court's public prosecutor injured and prompting allegations from both sides.

The incident took place on the second floor of the Narayanganj District Bar Association building in the presence of Advocate Sakhawat Hossain Khan, convener of Narayanganj Metropolitan BNP and administrator of Narayanganj City Corporation.

Public Prosecutor Advocate Abul Kalam Azad Zakir was injured in the incident, while Sakhawat Hossain was allegedly harassed, according to lawyers present at the scene.

Lawyers said the dispute arose over separate food arrangements organised by supporters of the district bar association's president, Advocate Sarker Humayun Kabir, and its general secretary, Advocate HM Anwar Pradhan.

The two groups had been facing off over the arrangements when Sakhawat entered the court premises and sat in the bar association president's chamber, lawyers said.

At one point, lawyers supporting Anwar Pradhan were allegedly shouting and creating a commotion outside the chamber. When Sakhawat approached Public Prosecutor Zakir and asked about the situation, the exchange escalated, according to lawyers present.

Anwar Pradhan and other lawyers then became involved, leading to pushing and a physical altercation between members of the two groups.

Zakir alleged that Sakhawat and his supporters attacked them.

"What happened today is a sad incident for Narayanganj. Sakhawat has long been trying to divide the Narayanganj court into two groups. Those who oppose him are being pushed out," he said.

Zakir alleged that Sakhawat's supporters launched a sudden attack while lawyers were discussing the issue.

"My finger has been fractured in the attack," he said.

Anwar Pradhan also alleged that Sakhawat, Advocate Aziz Molla and their supporters attacked the lawyers while they were sitting and talking.

"Our PP's finger was fractured. Advocate Nayan was also pulled by the collar. When we tried to resist, they attacked us as well," he said.

Anwar further alleged that Sakhawat had been trying to divide the court and had sought to appoint a public prosecutor against the wishes of the lawyers. He said Sakhawat and his supporters were forced to leave amid opposition from the lawyers.

Abu Al Yusuf Khan Tipu, member secretary of Narayanganj Metropolitan BNP, described the incident as unwanted.

"Organisational action will be taken against those responsible for the incident," he said.

Sakhawat, meanwhile, called the incident embarrassing and rejected the allegations against him.

"Those who committed this incident have failed to recognise what they have done. I have served as president and general secretary of the bar association and have been involved in this profession for a long time. This incident is not beneficial to anyone," he said.

He alleged that those involved were making various accusations against him to cover up their own wrongdoing and were attempting to disrespect him at someone else's instigation.