Government to take action over mayhem at Appellate Division: Law Minister

Law minister Anisul Huq said that the government will take action against the people who have caused chaos in court.  There was an uproar in the Appellate Division on Thursday, December 7 over Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairperson Khaleda Zia's bail plea. The uproar disrupted the court's sessions.

The minister addressed the press on this issue at his office in Gulshan on Thursday afternoon.

"I want to make it clear that the government will not allow insult or contempt of any state institutions. People who create mayhem will have to face the law because it is our responsibility to ensure public safety and to prevent chaos," he said.  

The minister condemned the chaos in court caused by the pro-BNP lawyers. 

"We have previously witnessed how pro-BNP lawyers and BNP supporters cause a disturbance every time a verdict goes against them. It clearly shows their disregard for the law. They have no respect for the top constitutional institutions of the country, and these institutions are not safe with such people," said Anisul Huq. 

Khaleda Zia's health report was due to be submitted on Thursday, December 5. She is currently serving time after being convicted in the Zia Charitable Trust corruption case.

The lawyers representing the state sought time to submit a report to a six-member bench of the Appellate Division headed by Chief Justice Syed Mahmood Hossain. The court fixed December 12 for the state's lawers to submit the report and to hold a hearing on the matter.

Pro-BNP lawyers started an uproar in the session over the rescheduling of the date, and no further court proceedings could be held in the Appellate Division because of it.