A group of pro-BNP lawyers staged a protest rally in front of the Attorney General’s office on Monday, alleging that financial transactions and special favours were prioritised over merit and professional experience in the recent appointments of state law officers.
Organised under the banner of Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Ainjibi Forum (BJAF), the protesters questioned the transparency of the recruitment process.
They claimed that many active participants in the anti-fascist movement, who had suffered imprisonment and persecution in the past, were overlooked.
Instead, they alleged that “hidden” beneficiaries linked to Awami League fascism were appointed as Deputy Attorney Generals (DAGs) and Assistant Attorney Generals (AAGs) in exchange for money.
The demonstration follows two notifications issued by the Solicitor Wing of the Law and Justice Division of the Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs on 30 July.
These notifications cancelled all previous appointments and named 86 new Deputy Attorney Generals and 179 Assistant Attorney Generals.
Following these appointments, a section of pro-BNP lawyers initiated their protest programme on Sunday. Monday marked the second day of their demonstration, and organisers have indicated that the programme will continue on Tuesday.
During the rally, advocate Rashida Alim Oishee raised personal allegations regarding the character and conduct of Attorney General Ruhul Quddus Kazal. She said the movement would continue until the Attorney General’s office is “freed from fascists.”
Another speaker, Abdullah Al Baqi, described the protesters as “trained warriors” of the anti-fascist movement, claiming it would not be difficult to remove Kazal from his post.
He said while Sheikh Hasina has left the country, her “soul” remains has “possessed” the Attorney General. Baqi further warned that maintaining Kazal in his position would lead to the restoration of fascism in Bangladesh.
The demonstrators maintained that professional skill, experience, and roles in the movement should have been the primary criteria for selecting officers to conduct state cases.
They alleged that these standards were not followed and called for the cancellation of controversial appointments in favour of a transparent process that prioritises qualification and sacrifice.
The rally featured speeches from several lawyers, including Sharif U Ahmed, Ayub Ali Ashrafi, Rezaul Karim, Shahriar Kakon, Rashida Alim Oishee, Shahina Begum, Abdul Mannan, Amirul Islam Shanu, Sabina Yasmin Lipi, Zahirul Islam Suman, Abdullah Al Baqi, Masud Rana, ABM Ibrahim Khalil, Kohinoor Papri, Habibur Rahman, Anisur Rahman Khan, and Abdus Samad.
