The passing of Barrister Abdur Razzaq, a distinguished lawyer, politician, and a man of deep integrity and unwavering professionalism, is a profound loss for Bangladesh and the wider legal community. He departed this life on May 4, 2025, in Dhaka, at the age of 76, after a battle with pancreatic cancer.

Born in 1949 in Sylhet district in the then East Bengal, Abdur Razzaq went on to earn his barrister-at-law degree from Lincoln's Inn in London, where he was called to the bar in 1980. During his years in London from the mid-1970s to mid-1980s, he became a driving force in uplifting the Bangladeshi diaspora, dedicating himself to empowering young people, particularly those in Tower Hamlets. His work left a lasting mark on the community and inspired a generation.

In 1985, he returned to Bangladesh to practise law, embarking on a distinguished legal career and earning recognition as a senior advocate of the Supreme Court of Bangladesh. After relocating to the UK in late 2013, he remained dedicated to his profession and continued to serve the community until his return to Bangladesh in December 2024.

Barrister Razzaq's legal career was marked by both depth and breadth. His expertise spanned various domains, including constitutional and administrative law, banking and commercial law, labour law, telecommunications law, and international criminal law. As a senior partner and head of chambers at The Law Counsel in Dhaka, he led with intellectual rigour and professional excellence. His legal practice included numerous high-profile public law cases that left a lasting imprint on Bangladesh's legal landscape.

He was perhaps most widely known for his role as the chief defence counsel at widely controversial International Crimes Tribunal ((ICT), where he represented several prominent Jamaat-e-Islami leaders accused of war crimes. Throughout this period, he faced persistent harassment and attempts to hinder legal work. Yet, his unwavering commitment to justice and due process never faltered. His advocacy, even in the face of significant challenge and immense pressure, remained principled and resolute, earning commendation from international human rights organisations, including Human Rights Watch, for his efforts to uphold fair trial standards.

Barrister Razzaq served as the assistant secretary general of Jamaat, where he was engaged in the party's political direction and strategy. However, in February 2019, he took the courageous and principled step of resigning, citing the party's failure to apologise for its role during the 1971 Liberation War in supporting the Pakistan Army and its reluctance to pursue crucial reforms. According to a report published in Al-Jazeera on February 16, 2019, Razzaq said, "When I saw that I could not take it any further and that there was no hope that the party would apologise and I had come to the end of the road, I decided to resign."He had long advocated for open, honest dialogue about the past and for the party to embrace more inclusive models of governance.

His resignation marked not a retreat from political life, but a reaffirmation of his commitment to ethical leadership and meaningful reform. He later joined the Amar Bangladesh Party until stepping down in August 2024.

In late 2013, Barrister Abdur Razzaq left Bangladesh for the UK, citing concerns over potential retaliation from the Sheikh Hasina regime. He practised in London with a focus on human rights and asylum law.

In 2020, he was diagnosed with prostate cancer, and in the years that followed, his health gradually declined. He was later diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and received treatment at the Royal London Hospital. Despite his illness, his resolve remained strong and in late 2024, he made the poignant decision to return to Bangladesh, where he continued treatment at Ibn Sina Hospital in Dhaka.

His passing marked the end of a remarkable life, one defined by unwavering dedication to justice, personal integrity, and tireless service to his country and community.

Barrister Abdur Razzaq was widely admired for his noble character, deep integrity, and staunch professionalism. A man of faith with profound knowledge of Islam, he strove to embody the principles of ihsan: excellence in all things, in both his personal conduct and professional life. In London, I had the privilege of regular exchanges with him on a range of topics. He exemplified the beautiful hadith of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH): "Verily, Allah has prescribed ihsan (perfection) in all things…" (Muslim).

He was a man of principle who was never afraid to speak truth to power or defend justice, even when doing so was unpopular or risky. His inclusive and sociable nature endeared him to people across political and ideological divides. More than a legal luminary, he was a mentor, a role model, and a source of guidance to many young professionals and activists at home and abroad.

His funeral prayers were held at Taqwa mosque in Dhanmondi on the evening of May 4, followed by another at the Supreme Court on May 5. In a mark of respect, the Supreme Court suspended proceedings for half a day. Chief Justice Syed Refaat Ahmed expressed deep sorrow and extended condolences to his family. A further funeral prayer was held at the Supreme Court's Inner Garden, a rare honour, and another at Baitul Mukarram National Mosque, reflecting the high regard in which he was held across the legal and national community.

Barrister Abdur Razzaq is survived by his wife, two sons who have followed in his footsteps and serve as barristers, and a daughter. His family, colleagues, and the many lives he touched mourn his loss deeply. His memory will live on through the principles he championed and the people he inspired. He will be remembered for his steadfast dedication to law, fearless pursuit of justice, and lifelong service to truth.

Dr Muhammad Abdul Bari is a Bangladeshi-British civic leader, educationalist, author, and parenting consultant, actively engaged in youth development and social cohesion.

Views expressed in this article are the author's own.

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The High Court today directed the authorities concerned to stop DJ party, illegal and cruel activities and bullying in the name of rag day at all educational institutions in 30 days.

The court also issued a rule asking the authorities to explain in four weeks why their inaction to stop such activities at the institutions should not be declared illegal.

Secretaries to the ministries of education, cultural affairs, and information and broadcasting; vice chancellors of universities concerned, inspector general of police; chairman of University Grants Commission and director general of Secondary Education Board have been made respondents to the rule.

The HC bench of Justice Md Mozibur Rahman Miah and Justice Khizir Hayat came up with the order and rule following a writ petition filed by Supreme Court lawyer Mohammad Kamrul Hasan seeking necessary directives on the issue.

Deputy Attorney General Bepul Bagmar represented the state during hearing of the petition.

Should the trial of a case last for 24 years? What does it say about a judicial system if a case for alleged possession of drugs runs for a quarter of a century, without any hope in sight of its completion? In a country where the rule of law is respected in letter and spirit, this is incomprehensible.

Ahad Ali has been caught in the tangle of our intricate legal process since 1998 on charges of drug possession. This case encapsulates everything that is wrong with our legal system. Firstly, the circumstance of his arrest is dubious. A packet containing heroin was found nearby where he was sitting while waiting in Gabtoli for a bus home in 1998. He was not found in possession of it. Does proximity to a banned substance merit arrest? If so, was he the only one in that area? From his statement, it appears that he may have been framed, the intention of the police being to extort money from him. He failed to pay up the Tk 5000 they had demanded, and that has cost him 25 years of his precious life.

Secondly, should it take a quarter of a century to dispose of the case? We must ask: Why hasn't a single witness been produced after all these years? The case is so old that the current OC of Mirpur Thana knows nothing about it, and for all that he knows, and we can guess, the policemen involved in the arrest may well have retired or be dead by now. And what can be more pitiful than to find that the main witness, the sole one produced after 24 years, knows nothing about the case? So is the case with witness number two.

Admittedly, the case is serious, since possessing heroin over 25 grams is a penal offence which carries the maximum sentence of death. But we wonder why the court has not considered the repeated dismissal petition of the defendant. Is it the fault of the accused if the state fails to prepare the case and conduct it properly in court? We agree that trial judges go by the evidence produced. But if no witness is produced to corroborate the charges even after 24 years, should the ruling of the court not go in favour of the accused, since everyone is innocent unless proven guilty?

We believe this is a case the High Court should take cognizance of. The logic and even the legal position of giving fresh dates every time after a hearing, when no witness has been forthcoming for so long, has to be explained. Such miscarriage of justice should be righted, and be never repeated.

BNP standing committee member Maj (retd) Hafiz Uddin Ahmed yesterday said they had thought an opportunity had arisen for Jamaat-e-Islami to apologise to the people for their role in 1971, instead, the party is justifying its role in 1971.

"Today, a certain group is attempting to place the concept of a mass uprising above the struggle for freedom. We cannot compare anything with the Liberation War. It will always remain supreme. We will not allow anyone to tarnish the struggle for freedom," he said.

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Will apologise if ’71 crimes are proven beyond doubt: Shafiqur

He made these remarks at a rally titled "The Liberation War of '71 is the greatest pride of the nation", organised by the Bangladesh Nationalist Freedom Fighters' Party at Jatiya Press Club.

"Some days ago, a statement caught our attention. It was said by Jamaat-e-Islami that in this country, only the military [army] and Jamaat-e-Islami are patriots. This statement has hurt us. The Bangladesh Army fought in the Liberation War; it was a force built through the Liberation War.

"It was formed under the leadership of Maj Ziaur Rahman with soldiers and officers from the then East Bengal Regiment and EPR, and they fought the war to gain independence for the country. The army doesn't need a certificate from anyone to prove they are patriots. Their role in 1971 and beyond proves they have always stood by the people and will continue to do so in the future. But I am shocked by Jamaat's statement," he said.

"We have always regarded them [Jamaat] as allies. When the fascist forces tortured and persecuted them, we expressed solidarity. When their party was dissolved, we gave them a chance to participate in elections under the 'Sheaf of Paddy' symbol. Khaleda Zia gave them a place in her cabinet." He added that many of his party leaders did not like this decision, but they accepted it for the sake of party discipline.

"Was this statement from them appropriate in return? We do not expect such statements from them. The strong unity that has been formed among political parties today could be fractured by this. They need to be more careful about this in the future," he said.

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‘Jamaat to end cycle of revenge’

At the rally, BNP activists chanted and carried placards with anti-Jamaat slogans.

Some of the placards read: "Jamaat-Shibirer Biruddhe Oikyaboddho Hou [Stand up against Jamaat-Shibir together]" and "Jamaat-ISKCON Dhormo Niye Bebsha Kore [Jamaat-Iskcon are in the same business of religious trade]".

The meeting was chaired by Bangladesh Nationalist Freedom Fighters' Party President Ishtiaq Aziz Ulfat. BNP Chairperson's adviser and former opposition Chief Whip Joynul Abdin Farooq was in attendance, among others.

The wife of a former Jamaat-e-Islami leader was stabbed to death in Bahubal upazila of Habiganj last evening.

The victim has been identified as Minara Khatun, 35, wife of former upazila Jamaat secretary Abdul Ahad.

Locals said Abdul Ahad returned home from Habiganj district headquarters around 7:00pm and found Minara's body in a pool of blood inside their house.

On information, members of Bahubal Model Police Station rushed to the scene and recovered the body.

Their six-month-old child was lying under the bed, Abdul Ahad said.

Bahubal Model Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Zahidur Rahman said, police are investigating the murder.

ANM Sazedur Rahman, superintendent of police in Habiganj said, "I have inspected the scene. The victim was stabbed to death. The forensic team of the PBI is still collecting evidence. Details can be revealed only after the autopsy."

Abdul Ahad hailed from Barogaon village in Bahubal upazila, shifted to the new house at Paschim Joypur village six months back.