SCBA protests arrest of Mahbub

The Supreme Court Bar Association yesterday strongly protested and condemned the arrest of Bangladesh Bar Council Vice Chairman Khandaker Mahbub Hossain, and also demanded his immediate release.
At a press conference in the association's south hall, SCBA President AJ Mohammad Ali said this desperate arrest (of Khandaker Mahbub Hossain) after the farcical January 5 election reflects the government's future mala fide activities.
He said the government is blocking the door of democracy this way and moving ahead to establish a one-party rule.    
The whole world and the country's 16 crore people have witnessed the farce and drama staged in the name of holding election on January 5 by keeping the BNP chairperson in confinement at her house and arresting the party's senior leaders, Mohammad Ali said.
Khandaker Mahbub Hossain, also an adviser to BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, was arrested because he protested the unprecedented and scandalous election, the SCBA president said, adding that this was an undemocratic move of the government.
Earlier in the day, a group of pro-BNP lawyers demonstrated on the SCBA premises protesting the arrest.
Meanwhile, some pro-Awami League lawyers formed a human chain on the SCBA premises urging High Court judges to continue judicial activities amid the ongoing indefinite blockade.
Usually, most HC judges refrain from dealing with cases during blockades and shutdowns as the lawyers concerned do not attend court.