Several journalists working at Dhaka’s lower court were allegedly harassed by some lawyers of Salman F Rahman on Wednesday (January 29). 

The incident took place at the Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Court in Dhaka, when Salman F Rahman, former Law Minister Anisul Huq, former Mayor Atiqul Islam, Diamond World MD Dilip Kumar Agarwal, Dhaka University Chhatra League General Secretary Tanvir Hasan Saikat, and several others were brought to court from prison for hearings on remand and arrest cases.

According to report, when the judge took his seat, several journalists on duty faced obstruction and harassment from some of Salman F Rahman’s lawyers.

The affected journalists said that these lawyers prevented them from covering the proceedings, accusing them of taking photos and videos, and created chaos in the courtroom. 

The lawyers allegedly asked the journalists to leave, said the journalists.

Dhaka Metropolitan Public Prosecutor (PP) Omar Faruk Faruki in this regard said, "Journalists have the right to perform their professional duties here. Lawyers should not obstruct them. I did not witness today’s incident personally, but I will ensure that such behavior does not happen in the future."

Dhaka Bar Association Ad-hoc Committee President Khorshed Mia Alam said the incident, calling it "highly regrettable." 

If the names and details of the responsible lawyers are found, the association will take necessary legal and disciplinary actions, he added.

BDST: 2118 HRS, JAN 29, 2025
MSK