“The death in last few days over quota reform movement is very unfortunate. We feel ashamed to see so much violence and loss of lives centering anti-quota movement. Everything is clearly stated in the constitution and the law of the country; however none of us is doing our responsibilities. What should be the manner of the police is clearly stated in CRPC.”  

The High Court bench of Justice Mustafa Zaman Islam made the comments on Tuesday while hearing a writ seeking a direction not to fire on the protesters and for the speedy release of the coordinators of the anti-discrimination student movement detained in the name of so-called security custody.

The writ sought a ruling as to why the use of direct fire against the protesters should not be declared outside the legal authority and why orders not to use fire should be given. Along with this, the writ has also sought a ruling as to why the coordinators of the anti-discrimination student movement taken into custody in the name of security should not be ordered to be released immidiately.

At the hearing, lawyer Manzur Al Matin first said that the protesters were being fired on freely.

“There is video footage in various international media including BBC, Al Jazeera. The protesters are being taken away from the hospital. The Home Minister himself said that 147 people have died. Government forces were armed. On the contrary, the agitators were unarmed. We can provide video footage of the last few days,” he said.

The High Court then said that the news was distorted in many foreign media including BBC Bangla; so there is no chance to take that news irrefutably.

Bd pratidin English/Lutful Hoque