URGENT ACTION REQUESTED: Seeking an Independent Investigation and Accountability Regarding the Injury of a Female Apprentice Lawyer Allegedly Caused by a Judicial Magistrate in Gopalganj
Paris, France I 23 July 2026: JMBF urgently seeks your intervention regarding the reported injury of Ms. Sabiha Sultana, a female apprentice lawyer, who was allegedly struck on the head by a glass paperweight thrown by Judicial Magistrate Md. Sujon Miaduring court proceedings at the Judicial Magistrate Court-2 of the Chief Judicial Magistrate Court in Gopalganj, Bangladesh, on 22 July 2026.
According to reliable sources and media reports, the incident occurred when the Judicial Magistrate allegedly became angered after observing lawyers speaking with litigants at the back of the courtroom and reportedly threw a glass paperweight. The object allegedly struck Ms. Sabiha Sultana on the head, causing a serious injury. She was subsequently admitted to Gopalganj Medical College Hospital for medical treatment.
The alleged assault by a judicial officer against a female apprentice lawyer raises serious concerns regarding judicial conduct, accountability, and the safety of legal professionals. Such allegations, if proven, constitute a grave abuse of judicial authority, undermine the dignity and independence of the judiciary, and create an atmosphere of fear and insecurity for lawyers, particularly women and apprentice lawyers, in the performance of their professional duties.
These allegations require an independent, impartial, transparent, and credible investigation to establish the truth, determine the actual circumstances surrounding the incident, and ensure accountability for any misconduct, abuse of authority, or violations of judicial ethics and the law.
We urge you to write to the Honourable Chief Justice of Bangladesh, copying the relevant authorities listed in the Urgent Appeal below, calling for an independent and impartial investigation, appropriate administrative and legal action against any individual found responsible, protection of the rights and safety of the injured apprentice lawyer, and effective measures to prevent similar incidents within court premises in the future.
Your prompt support and solidarity would be greatly appreciated.
Please find below the sample Urgent Appeal in English, Bengali, and French.
In solidarity,
Advocate Shahanur Islam
Founder President
JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF)
CNB Premises, 180 Boulevard Haussmann
75008 Paris, France
Email: shahanur.islam@jmbf.org
Website: www.jmbf.org
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