The New Nation - Internet Edition

UNB, Dhaka

The presiding judge of a High Court Division Bench Sunday took serious note of an eminent jurist's remarks over granting bail to top politicians facing corruption cases under the current purge in the interim period.

“The remarks were made such a way it appears that we granted the bails in exchange for huge amounts of money,” Justice Sharif Uddin Chaklader said, adding, “Why he does not come before the court to make such observations.”

Without naming Dr Kamal Hossain, Justice Chaklader said he heard the remarks from television news and read those in newspapers that the High Court is giving bail to the corrupt and terrors.

Dr Kamal made the remarks after Jamaat chief Matiur Rahman Nizami’s release and the High Court’s orders granting bail to BNP leaders Salahuddin Qader Chowdhury, MA Hashem and Nasiruddin Ahmed Pintu.

Also appearing critical of a journalist from a leading Bengali daily, the justice said the journalist had even gone to the office of the Chief Justice to know whether the High Court has any jurisdiction in granting bail under the Emergency Power Rules.

“We know hands of journalists are long, but they should know we can shorten the long hands,” said an apparently irate Chaklader.

The judge drew the attention of SCBA president Barrister Shafique Ahmed who was present at his court and asked why he does not look into these matters.

In response, Barrister Shafique said they were also surprised after watching television news and reading newspapers on the remarks about the High Court.

While talking to reporters, Barrister Shafique said such remarks against the High Court orders are “unwarranted”. He urged the members of the Supreme Court Bar to refrain from making such comments.

The SCBA president said the bench and the bar have always certain role to play in establishing the rule of law.

“The High Court grants bail in accordance with the law and none should interfere into its jurisdiction,” said the lawyer-leader, who is a pleader in many of the politicians’ cases.