Detained Lawyers Demand Yunus Trial

A group of 61 lawyers, currently detained in prison and identified as aligned with the Awami political camp, staged a demonstration in Dhaka on Tuesday, calling for the trial of former Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus. The protest took place at around 12:30 pm in front of the Dhaka Metropolitan Sessions Judge’s Court, where the participants formed a human chain and raised a series of slogans, including repeated chants demanding “trial of Yunus”.

The demonstration was organised by recently released members of the legal community who alleged that lawyers sympathetic to the Awami political position have been subjected to systematic exclusion in recent months. They claimed that they have been barred from participating in professional elections, restricted from representing clients in court proceedings, and, in some cases, targeted with legal action that they describe as politically motivated.

During the event, advocate Mahfuzur Rahman, who read out a written statement on behalf of the group, strongly criticised what he described as discriminatory treatment of Awami-aligned lawyers. He alleged that they had been prevented from taking part in bar association elections and denied the opportunity to conduct routine legal practice. Rahman also called for the withdrawal of cases filed against detained lawyers, arguing that their imprisonment was unjust and required immediate review.

Other participants at the human chain included several recently released advocates who stood alongside the organisers in solidarity. They echoed the demands and expressed concern over what they described as growing tensions within the legal profession. The gathering remained largely peaceful, with participants dispersing after the conclusion of the programme.

Observers noted that the demonstration reflects broader political divisions within segments of the legal community, particularly in relation to the ongoing disputes surrounding judicial administration and professional representation. While no official response was immediately issued by the authorities, the protest added to a series of recent public gatherings highlighting dissatisfaction among sections of the legal fraternity.

Key Participants

The organisers reiterated that their movement would continue unless their core demands were addressed, particularly the release of detained lawyers and what they termed fair access to professional and judicial processes. The event concluded without reported incidents of violence or police intervention, though it took place under visible court security presence given the sensitivity of the location.