৷In a surprising turn of events, the High Court has declared that publishing pictures of the six coordinators of the quota reform movement being taken to the Detective Branch (DB) office and served food is nothing short of a ‘prank’ on the nation. The court’s strong words followed a writ filed by two Supreme Court lawyers seeking the immediate release of the detained coordinators.
৷During the hearing, Additional Attorney General Mehdi Hasan Chowdhury defended the actions, stating that the coordinators were in custody for their security and were shown being treated to a meal on television. This explanation didn’t sit well with the High Court bench of Justice Mustafa Zaman Islam and Justice SM Masud Hossain Dolan. “Don’t play with the nation. You can’t take them and put them on the dining table,” the judges remarked, clearly unimpressed by the state’s justification.
৷The writ, filed by lawyers Manzoor-al-Matin and Ainunnahar Siddiqa, not only sought the release of the coordinators but also requested a court directive to refrain from firing on protesters. The situation took a comedic yet serious twist when the court addressed the state party’s statement about the coordinators’ televised lunch.
৷The coordinators, Nahid Islam, Asif Mahmud, Abu Bakr Majumdar, Sarjis, Hasnat Abdullah, and Nusrat Tabassum, were taken into DB custody over the past few days, reportedly for their own protection. However, the decision to publicize their lunch with fork and spoon at the DB office was viewed by the court as an insensitive joke.
৷”What’s next? A cooking show featuring detained protesters?” quipped a lawyer outside the courtroom, capturing the absurdity of the situation.
৷The court’s sharp critique highlights the ongoing tension and public skepticism regarding the treatment of activists and protesters. The High Court’s directive and comments serve as a reminder that the dignity and rights of individuals must be upheld, even amidst security concerns.
৷As the legal battle continues, the nation watches closely, hoping for justice and a bit more common sense in the handling of such sensitive matters.