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Wednesday | September 23, 2026 | Dhaka

Lawyers’ assoc decides not to defend accused in Opratim murder case

 CoU Correspondent
 Published: 12:01 AM, 23 September 2026
The Comilla District Bar Association holds a press conference with the Vice-Chancellor of Comilla University Prof Dr M M Shariful Karim at CoU on Tuesday.

The Comilla District Bar Association has decided that its lawyers will not represent the accused in the murder case of Ishayaat Shahriar Opratim, said Comilla District and Sessions Judge Court Public Prosecutor (PP) Kaimul Haque Rinku.

He, however, said the state could appoint a lawyer to defend the accused if necessary to ensure a fair trial.

“We have taken the decision on humanitarian grounds. However, if the state appoints a lawyer to ensure justice, that lawyer will represent the accused,” the PP said.

He made the remarks at a press conference held at the conference room of Comilla University around 5:00pm yesterday, regarding the murder case of Opratim, son of Dr Nahida Begum, an associate professor of the university’s Department of Bangla.

PP Rinku said they had assured Opratim’s parents of a fair and proper trial.

“We have assured Opratim’s parents of justice and a fair trial. We urge the law enforcement agencies to complete a proper investigation and send the offenders to court. We will make our utmost efforts to ensure justice for the bereaved family,” he said.

“The investigation is progressing properly. InshaAllah, justice will be served. If no lawyer agrees to represent the accused, the state will appoint one in the interest of a fair trial,” he added.

District Bar Association President Advocate Md Shahid Ullah said the lawyers had taken the decision not to defend the accused on humanitarian grounds.

“We have decided that no lawyer will represent the accused. However, if the state considers it necessary for ensuring a fair trial, it may appoint a lawyer for the accused. In that case, the state will bear all legal expenses,” he said.

Comilla University Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr MM Shariful Karim urged the lawyers to play their role in ensuring that the accused face justice.

“Just as the law enforcement agencies have arrested the accused, you also have a role in obtaining their statements. Please ensure that no accused can escape punishment by taking advantage of the family’s difficulties,” he said.

He also called for the speedy disposal of Opratim’s murder case, referring to the trial of the Ramisa murder case.

Nazmul Hasan, a student of the Bangla Department from the 2020-21 academic session, said Opratim was a very sociable boy.

“We can see some confusion over the ages of the accused. We request you to ensure a fair trial in Opratim’s murder case, just as justice was ensured in the Ramisa murder case,” he said.

University Pro-Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Md Amjad Hossain Sarkar, Treasurer Prof Dr Md Belal Uddin, District Bar Association General Secretary Advocate Md Mahbubul Haque Khandaker, former president Advocate Md Shariful Islam, Assistant Public Prosecutor Advocate Suma, university Proctor, teachers and students, among others, were present at the press conference.