A section of pro-BNP lawyers has alleged that corruption influenced the recent appointments of Deputy Attorney Generals (DAGs) and Assistant Attorney Generals (AAGs) at the Attorney General’s Office.
The lawyers claimed that merit and professional experience were sidelined in favour of financial transactions and “special benefits.”
The protest was held on Sunday in front of Attorney General’s Office under the banner of Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Ainjibi Forum (BJAF).
During the demonstration, speakers alleged that many qualified lawyers – particularly those active in past movements or those who had suffered imprisonment and persecution – were excluded from recent appointments.
Protesters said individuals were appointed to these state legal positions in exchange for money or through “hidden” advantages.
They demanded transparency in recruitment process, arguing that the responsibility of conducting cases on behalf of the state requires appointments based on competence, professional skill, and one’s role in legal movements.
Throughout the rally, lawyers chanted slogans demanding cancellation of the “controversial” appointments and recruitment of qualified, movement-aligned professionals.
Notable speakers at the event included lawyers Akthar Hossain, Sharif U Ahmed, Ayoub Ali Ashrafi, Masud Rana, Ashik Nazrul, Md Isa, ABM Ibrahim Khalil, Anisur Rahman Khan, Zahirul Islam Sumon, and Anwara Shikha, among others.
The unrest follows two separate notifications issued on 30 July by the Solicitor Wing of the Law and Justice Division under the Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs.
These notifications cancelled all previous appointments of DAGs and AAGs. Subsequently, 86 new DAGs and 179 new AAGs were appointed.
This section of pro-BNP lawyers has questioned the transparency and criteria of the selection process.
They maintain that for such significant state legal positions, merit, sacrifice, and professional excellence should be prioritised over political or professional loyalty.
