Dhaka, May 19 (V7N) – The Appellate Division of the Supreme Court has upheld the Chamber Court's order to suspend the bail of 61 pro-Awami League lawyers, who had earlier received bail from the High Court in a case filed over the beating and attempted murder of lawyers during the recent anti-discrimination movement.

A three-member bench headed by Justice Jubayer Rahman Chowdhury delivered the verdict on Monday morning, directing the High Court to dispose of the rule issued in the bail hearing within two weeks.

The High Court had granted bail to the 61 lawyers on April 22. However, the State Party subsequently appealed to the Chamber Court, seeking a stay order, which was granted. Today’s Appellate Division ruling has now upheld that stay.

The case involves 144 pro-Awami League lawyers, who were accused of attacking members of the Dhaka Bar Association, vandalizing chambers, and attempting murder during the height of the anti-government protests under the anti-discrimination movement.

Out of those charged, 115 lawyers had obtained eight-week anticipatory bail from the High Court. Once that bail period expired, 83 surrendered to the Dhaka Metropolitan Sessions Court on April 6 seeking regular bail.

Among them, the court granted bail to Abu Sayeed Sagar, former president of the Dhaka Bar Association, and 18 female lawyers. However, 61 lawyers were sent to jail after their bail pleas were denied, while three others managed to flee the courtroom.

This legal development marks a significant turn in the high-profile case that continues to stir tensions within the country’s legal and political arenas.

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