Dhaka, Oct 21 (V7N) — The High Court has granted anticipatory bail to senior Supreme Court lawyer ZI Khan Panna in a case filed at Khilgaon police station. The case accuses him of “attempted murder by shooting and beating” a man named Ahadul Islam during the anti-discrimination student movement.

A bench led by Justice AKM Asaduzzaman issued the bail order on Monday, following a bail petition submitted to the court’s relevant branch on Sunday.

The case was lodged on October 17 by Ahadul's father, Baker, naming ZI Khan Panna as the 94th accused in a list of 180. According to the case statement, the incident occurred on July 19, when Ahadul was allegedly shot and beaten during a protest near Meradia Bazar. The complaint also accuses unnamed BGB, police, and Awami League members of participating in the attack. Major General Mohammad Ashrafuzzaman Siddiqui, the current director general of the BGB, was named as one of the accused.

ZI Khan Panna’s lawyer, Ahsanul Karim, criticised the charges, calling them baseless. "The case was filed in haste and lacks merit," he said, emphasising Panna’s lifelong opposition to autocracy.

In a light-hearted remark, ZI Khan Panna, who also chairs the human rights organisation Ain o Salish Kendra, expressed surprise at being listed as the 94th defendant. “If you’re going to file a case, make me number one! Why 94 out of 180?” he quipped during an interview.

Home Affairs Adviser Md. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury addressed the growing concern over frivolous lawsuits at a Rajshahi BGB sector press briefing on October 19. He noted that the Ministry of Home Affairs had issued directives to prevent harassment through false cases and promised action against those abusing the legal system.

ZI Khan Panna also criticised recent trends in politically motivated lawsuits, including cases related to remarks by Professor Muhammad Yunus. "The misuse of cases makes it harder to ensure justice for real victims," he said.

The court’s decision has drawn attention to the rising trend of politically charged cases and raised questions about the misuse of legal proceedings for harassment.

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