Several human rights organizations on Sunday expressed grave concern and condemnation regarding the attempted murder case filed against senior Supreme Court lawyer ZI Khan Panna.
In a statement, Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK) labeled the case as "false and harassing."
The organization suggested that the case may have been prompted by dissatisfaction with Panna`s recent comments on human rights and socio-political issues in the country.
The statement, signed by ASK`s Senior Coordinator Abu Ahmed Farzul Kabir, emphasized Panna`s support for students` legitimate demands from the onset of their movement, including providing legal assistance to detained student leaders.
"Given his active role in advocating for rights and social issues, it is reasonable to suspect that this case represents an attempt at harassment, which is both unjust and condemnable," the statement asserted.
ASK further characterized Panna as a lifelong champion of human rights, highlighting his efforts against extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, and torture.
The organization noted that he has faced backlash for speaking out against violence and repression, and has consistently defended freedom of expression as well as the rights of religious and ethnic minorities.
Similarly, the Bangladesh Legal Aid and Services Trust (BLAST) called for the immediate withdrawal of Panna`s name from the case and demanded an inquiry into the reasons for his implication.
BLAST also recalled that Panna previously experienced harassment in court during the student movement, where state counsel insulted him and labeled him a "traitor" for his role.
The organization warned that such "harassing" cases obstruct justice for the real victims of the July-August student movement.
BLAST urged high-level action to ensure justice for the victims of the July massacre, to provide legal aid to the injured, and to stop ongoing harassment.
The Manabadhikar Shongskriti Foundation (MSF) also condemned the case, describing it as "baseless and harassing." MSF accused the authorities of attempting to tarnish the reputation of prominent rights defenders, thereby hindering freedom of expression.
The organization added that filing indiscriminate cases undermines the justice system and erodes public trust.
The Human Rights Forum Bangladesh (HRFB) also condemned the lawsuit, stating that it obstructs justice and suppresses dissent. HRFB characterized the case as a disgraceful attempt to silence civil society and stifle freedom of thought and expression.
The case was filed by Md Baker, 52, at the Khilgaon Police Station, accusing 180 individuals, including Panna, of shooting his son, Ahadul Islam, on July 19.
