MM Rahmatullah: “If the government desires to become autocratic, the people’s desire to oust that autocracy will awaken,” said ATM Azharul Islam MP, Nayeb-e-Ameer of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, while addressing a candidate introduction event of the “Shobuj Panel” for the upcoming Supreme Court Bar Association election. 

The program, organized by the Bangladesh Lawyers’ Council-backed Ainjibi Oikya Panel “Shobuj Panel,” was held Sunday night at the Muktijoddha Hall of the Institution of Diploma Engineers, Dhaka. 

In his speech as chief guest, ATM Azharul Islam alleged that within just two months of assuming office, the government has begun moving toward one-party rule. “Perhaps the government has forgotten how it came to power. Failing to implement the July Charter in line with the referendum verdict is tantamount to betraying the blood of the students and masses through which this government assumed power,” he said. 

He criticized the government for saying it would implement the July Charter “to the letter” while not reflecting that in action. “If the government truly intends to implement the July Charter fully, then why have government MPs not taken the oath of the Constitution Reform Council?” he asked. 

Targeting an unnamed minister, he said, “One minister acts like a know-it-all. He speaks on behalf of the Prime Minister, the Law Minister, and the Health Minister. It seems he alone is running the government. And that minister is lecturing everyone on the Constitution. He thinks no one else understands law or the Constitution.” 

ATM Azharul Islam further alleged that although the Supreme Court is the country’s highest court, “Jamaat-e-Islami has faced the greatest injustice with a gun placed on the court’s shoulder. Top leaders of Jamaat were victims of judicial killings.” He urged lawyers to stand for justice and fairness to end the “culture of injustice in the name of justice,” and called on lawyers to elect the Shobuj Panel in the SCBA polls. 

The meeting was chaired by Advocate Md. Yusuf Ali, convener of the Shobuj Panel’s election steering committee. Special guests included Bangladesh Lawyers’ Council Central President Advocate Md. Jasim Uddin Sarkar, Secretary General Advocate Md. Motiur Rahman Akanda, and Council Adviser Dr. Shafiqul Islam Masud MP. 

Other speakers included Bangladesh Lawyers’ Council Supreme Court unit President Advocate Gias Uddin Mithu, Shobuj Panel president candidate Advocate Abdul Baten, secretary candidate Advocate A.K.M Rezaul Karim Khandaker, assistant secretary candidate Barrister Zubayer Ahmed Bhuiyan, and Council Central Vice President Advocate Dr. Helal Uddin. 

Advocates S.M. Kamal Uddin, Abdur Razzak, Monir Hossain, Jahangir Dewan, Abu Bakkar Siddique, Shamsuzzaman, Main Uddin, Shakil Uddin, and Parvez Hossain also addressed the gathering. 

At the event, ATM Azharul Islam MP, chief adviser of Bangladesh Lawyers’ Council, announced the names of the “Shobuj Panel” candidates for the Supreme Court Bar Association Election 2026/27. 

Shobuj Panel Candidates: 

- President: Abdul Baten, Ballot No. 02 

- Vice-President: Md. Abdul Haque, Ballot No. 01 

- Vice-President: Main Uddin Faruqi, Ballot No. 04 

- Secretary: A.K.M. Rezaul Karim Khandaker, Ballot No. 01 

- Assistant Secretary: Md. Tarikul Islam, Ballot No. 02 

- Assistant Secretary: Zubayer Ahmed Bhuiyan, Ballot No. 05 

- Treasurer: S.M. Jahangir Alam, Ballot No. 02 

- Members: Azim Uddin Patwary, Ballot No. 03; Farzana Khanam, Ballot No. 04; Israt Jahan Oni, Ballot No. 06; Mahmudul Hasan, Ballot No. 08; Md. Foyzullah, Ballot No. 10; Md. Zubayer Taiyeb, Ballot No. 11; Mohammad Nazim Uddin Lincoln, Ballot No. 16.