The Rangpur Bar Association (RBA) has decided not to temporarily represent the accused in the quadruple murder case of retired schoolteacher Ganapati Chakraborty Jewel’s family. This decision, announced by RBA General Secretary Advocate Aftab Uddin Ahmed, comes in protest of the brutal murders.
Advocate Aftab Uddin Ahmed made the announcement at a press conference held at the RBA auditorium. He stated, 'We have taken the decision after thorough discussion. Through this, we want to send a message.' He added that the decision could last for a week or six months, depending on the surrounding situation.
The RBA President, Advocate Shahed Kamal Ibne Khatib, clarified that even if a lawyer is not appointed for the accused in a capital punishment case, the state will appoint a lawyer during the trial after the charge is framed to ensure justice. He emphasized, 'We have temporarily refrained, we will not be on their side. However, if we feel the investigation has not been done properly, then we will definitely be on the side of the accused.'
Advocate Aftab Uddin Ahmed noted that initial statements from the arrested accused under Section 164 indicate their involvement in the incident. He praised the police administration and journalists for their quick actions and smooth investigation process. He urged against politicizing the incident, stating, 'This incident of murders should not be politicized in any way. No one should try to take it into a different political sector.'
The quadruple murder case involves the strangulation deaths of Ganapati Chakraborty Jewel, his wife Pritilata Chakraborty Bhola, daughter Agami Chakraborty Prarthi, and son Ayush Chakraborty Priyam. Police arrested Mugdha Das and Siddhartha Das, who confessed to the murders under Section 164 before the Rangpur Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Court Judge Md Rafiqul Islam.
The investigation has been transferred from the Kotwali police station to the Detective Branch (DB) of Rangpur Metropolitan Police (RpMP), with Inspector Md Zeenat Ali as the new investigation officer.
This decision by the RBA underscores the gravity of the crime and the association's stance against what they perceive as supporting crimes for money. It also highlights the legal process in Bangladesh, where state-appointed lawyers ensure justice in capital punishment cases even if private lawyers choose not to represent the accused.
