SCBA Chief says: Impeachment bill okayed only to frighten judges

Supreme Court Bar Association President Khandaker Mahbub Hossain has said the government is trying to restore the parliament’s power to impeach Supreme Court judges in a bid to frighten them and keep them under pressure. “Judiciary can safeguard the rights of the common people. Country’s independence and democracy will be at stake if the judiciary is destroyed,” said Khandaker Mahbub, who is also an advisor of the BNP Chairperson at a protest meeting in the capital on Friday.Bangladesh Republican Forum organized the protest meeting titled “Proposed 16th amendment Bill and Fundamental Rights” at the National Press Club.Criticizing the government for approving the bill for judge’s impeachment, he said the Parliament is independent, but those in theHouse are not. They did not come to the Parliament with the people’s mandate,” he said. Fundamental Rights” at the National Press Club.Criticizing the government for approving the bill for judge’s impeachment, he said the Parliament is independent, but those in the House are not. They did not come to the Parliament with the people’s mandate,” he said. Khandaker Mahbub also said whenever Awami League assumes power, they snatch away people’s fundamental rights and press freedom, and create obstacle to the rule of law.Strongly condemning the Prime Minister for her recent comment that the former home minister and BNP senior vice-chairman Tarique Rahman were involved in August 21 grenade attack, he said, “Prime Minister’s such comment can influence the trial process. The Prime Minister made the comment to protect the real offenders.”Jubo Dal president Syed Moazzem Hossain Alal also spoke at the programme presided over by organization president ABM Abul Kalam.