Remarks on judiciary
SC seeks fresh explanation from Fakhrul
The Appellate Division of the Supreme Court yesterday again refused to accept the BNP Acting Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgirs explanation on his alleged comments against the judiciary and asked him to submit a fresh explanation by February 29. After refusing Fakhruls explanation, the five-member bench of the Appellate Division, headed by Chief Justice (CJ) Surendra Kuman Sinha, passed the order while dealing with three bail petitions filed by Fakhrul in three cases.
The apex court directed him to submit a fresh explanation specifying the reasons for making the reported comments about the judiciary by February 29.
During yesterdays proceedings, Chief Justice SK Sinha stated the judiciary has no objection on the political activities by politicians. However, he remarked, As a politician, you should not make snide comments against the judiciary. We are hurt when political leaders make snide comments against the judiciary, the CJ said.
Pointing to Fakhruls lawyer, the CJ said, If you (Fakhrul) think that you may escape, it would be a mistake.
Fakhruls lawyer Joynul Abedin replied to the CJ, saying his client had no intention of undermining the judiciary before the public. He (Fakhrul) has been abiding by the law. Fakhrul had merely been quoting former Justice MA Matin, Abedin added.
At this, the CJ responded, You did not give any correction to the media after the report was published in the newspapers. Later, the CJ fixed next Monday for further hearing on Fakhruls matter.
Earlier on Wednesday, Fakhrul submitted an explanation before the apex court as per its directive. But, in his explanation, the BNP leader did not mention the reason for making these comments. Hence, the apex court was not satisfied with the explanation and sought a fresh one from him, advocate Sagir Hossain Leon, a counsel for Fakhrul informed.
Speaking at the council of Sylhet city unit and district unit BNP in Sylhet on February 7, Fakhrul had accused the government of controlling the judiciary. On February 18, the apex court asked the BNP leader to submit an explanation on his comments before this court.
Later on February 22, the apex court refused to accept Fakhruls explanation as the affidavit containing the explanation was not signed by him. It again refused to accept the BNP leaders explanation on Thursday and fixed Monday for the next hearing on the matter.
