The New Nation - Internet Edition

Staff Reporter

The government yesterday imposed a ban on the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) election scheduled for today and tomorrow. However, the lawyers and candidates vowed to go ahead with the election as per schedule.

An order signed by Shamsun Nahar, Additional Deputy Commissioner of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) asked the association to refrain from holding the election.

The order issued to the Secretary of the SCBA said that no permission had been sought from the Dhaka Metropolitan Police for the election. It mentioned that taking prior approval from the DMP authority is necessary for conducting such activities in line with the emergency powers rules.

At a hastily called meeting at the association Hall Room, SCBA President Barrister Amir-ul-Islam protested the imposition of the ban on the election.

Barrister Amir-ul-Islam told the meeting that they would hold the election on schedule.

Candidates including Barrister Shafique Ahmed, Advocate Khandaker Mahbub Hossain attended the meeting.

SCBA Secretary Advocate AM Amin Uddin told The New Nation last night that they have sent a letter to the police authority explaining that as per the emergency rules it is not necessary to seek permission to hold such election.

"We hope that the police administration will extend its all-out cooperation to the polls," he said.

It may be mentioned that the election is being held without panels restoring the association's 10-year-old tradition.

A total of 40 candidates are contesting the election for 14 posts of the executive committee of the association.

It may be mentioned that the last year's election scheduled for March 27 and March 28 could not be held due to imposition of such restriction in view of the state of emergency.