Public Prosecutor Anisur Rahman said former state minister Zunaid Ahmed Palak’s remarks would not intimidate him, adding that the judicial process would continue and justice would prevail.
“We are not intimidated by Palak’s words. They belong to a banned organisation and are terrorists. Such remarks are intended to obstruct the course of justice, but we will ensure that justice is established, and the people of Bangladesh will witness it,” the PP said.
The remarks came after Palak, who was produced before the court in connection with a murder case, expressed frustration over being brought to court with his hands handcuffed behind his back and made to climb the stairs despite the lift being operational.
During the hearing of the case filed over killing truck driver Md Hossain in Mohammadpur during July uprising, Palak also addressed Anisur, saying, “The PP should understand that his place is not very far from my place.”
The exchange took place on Thursday before Judge Md Robiul Alam of Dhaka Special Judge Court-4.
PP Anisur said, “They (Awami League leaders) killed 4,000 people and injured between 10,000 and 20,000 people during the July mass movement. Attempts have been made to threaten me, as a representative of the state, in order to obstruct the trial. But I said at that very moment that justice will certainly be established here. Wait and see. Justice will be delivered through evidence, and the people of Bangladesh will see it.”
He also described Palak’s demand regarding the handcuffs as unjustified.
“If any accused refuses to comply with prison rules or attempts to obstruct justice, the Ministry of Law and the Ministry of Home Affairs will take appropriate action,” he added.
Earlier, when Palak was brought to court around noon, he said, “I was brought up the stairs with my hands handcuffed behind my back. I request the court to make arrangements for the handcuffs to be placed in front.”
Palak told the court that since they were being required to walk up to the sixth floor, their handcuffs should be placed in front on humanitarian grounds.
Later, while leaving the courtroom, he questioned, “Is the lift out of order only for us?”
