SC Summons Lawyer for Posting Derogatory FB Status

The Appellate Division of the Supreme Court on Wednesday summoned lawyer Ashraful Islam Ashraf to appear before it on August 8 for posting a derogatory status about Chief Justice Syed Mahmud Hossain on Facebook.

A 5-member bench of the Appellate Division headed by Md Iman Ali came up with the order and rule on Thursday (15 July) after Attorney General AM Amin Uddin raised the issue before the bench during the virtual proceedings. The Appellate Division has also directed that the lawyer will not be able to handle the case in any court of the country during this period.

Lawyer Ashraf posted on his Facebook ID on Wednesday seeking the resignation of the Chief Justice Syed Mahmud Hossain.

At this stage, Chief Justice Syed Mahmud Hossain said, "I take all the decisions in consultation with the senior judges. The last time I opened the court, the lawyers criticized me. I have spoken to the president and secretary of the bar before deciding to open that court. After that, after discussing with the senior judges, I have left the court open.'

Justice Iman Ali said, "Such a post on Facebook is very unfortunate for a lawyer."

Justice Nuruzzaman said, "The post of Chief Justice is not a political post. No one can post about him like this. '

Justice Hasan Fayez Siddiqui said, "Chief Justice is the name of an institution. Posting like this means distrust towards the organization.'