The Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) has cancelled the nomination papers of 42 lawyers out of 90 candidates for its upcoming election, citing their alleged affiliations with the Awami League, whose political activities are banned under the Anti‑Terrorism (Amendment) Act, 2025.
Among those disqualified were two candidates for president, seven for secretary, two for treasurer, 10 for assistant secretaries, and 21 for executive members, said Advocate Md Humayun Kabir Manju, incumbent senior vice president of SCBA and member of its election sub‑committee.
Manju, a pro-BNP lawyer and currently a deputy attorney general of the state that, scrutiny revealed “direct and indirect involvement” with Awami League activities.
With the cancellations, 48 candidates remain valid to contest the election scheduled for May 13-14.
Disqualified lawyers strongly protested the move, arguing they submitted nominations individually, not on behalf of any party.
Advocate Md Munsurul Hoque Chowdhury, a veteran lawyer and presidential candidate, called the decision “illegal and condemnable.”
“This unprecedented and farcical conduct by the ad hoc committee will remain a disgraceful chapter in the 77-year history of the Supreme Court Bar Association,” said Advocate Munsurul.
Incumbent SCBA Secretary Md Mahfuzur Rahman Milon confirmed the decision of not allowing pro‑Awami League lawyers to contest but declined to share the resolution, calling it an internal matter.
FP/MI
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