Pirojpur judge's stand release horrific example of obstructing rule of law : TIB

Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) on Wednesday expressed concern over the stand release of Pirojpur district judge Abdul Mannan, terming the brazenness an ominous sign for the country’s judiciary, reports news agency UNB.

The stand release of Abdul Mannan, judge of district and sessions court in Pirojpur, was issued just four hours after he denied bail pleas of former Awami League MP AKM Abdul Awal and his wife Lyla Parvin on Tuesday. Mannan has been attached to the foreign ministry.

The ex-MP, also president of Pirojpur district unit of Awami League, and his wife were sent to jail in three separate graft cases on charges of grabbing government land.

The incident triggered widespread criticism and reached the usual crescendo on social media.

Iftekharuzzaman, executive director of TIB, described the incident as unprecedented. “The incident would be considered a horrific example of obstructing rule of law, justice and a responsive democracy with accountability,” he said in a statement.

He also feared that the incident could empower the vested quarter who advocate the culture of impunity and practicing executive and political power over the judiciary.

“We urge the government and political leaders to avoid such suicidal path and to pursue effective ways to make the judiciary truly independent,” he added.