Pabna, Feb 19, (V7N) - Allegations have surfaced regarding a secret meeting between newly appointed Public Prosecutor (PP) of Pabna District Court and Co-Vice President of the Gano Odhikar Parishad, Advocate Golam Sarwar Khan Jewel, with Awami League leaders and Awami lawyers. Several photos from the meeting went viral on social media, leading to outrage among anti-fascism lawyers.

It has been reported that this meeting took place at Advocate Jewel’s residence on February 17, amidst controversies surrounding the upcoming Pabna Bar Association elections. Awami League leaders, including Advocate Belayet Ali Billu, Vice President of Pabna District Awami League, and Advocate Shahidullah Biswas Helal, former Executive Secretary of the Bar Association, attended the meeting.

The discussion reportedly included not only the Bar Association election but also the issue of cases filed against Awami League leaders and workers involved in anti-discrimination student protests.

The leaked photos of the meeting have ignited a widespread debate within the lawyer community, with many expressing their discontent. Lawyers from the anti-fascism camp, in particular, are outraged.

Pabna Bar Association members like Advocate Kamal Hossain and Majedul Islam have expressed their disappointment, calling it a betrayal of the values fought for during the Liberation War of 1971. "It is shameful that someone appointed as PP after sacrificing blood for the cause of the nation is now meeting with Awami League," they said.

In response to the allegations, Advocate Belayet Ali Billu from Pabna District Awami League clarified, "Our PP invited us for a discussion. We talked about how to secure bail for our people in jail. There was no discussion on politics or elections."

Advocate Golam Sarwar Khan Jewel himself responded, "The meeting was not at my residence, but at my chamber. It was about the Bar Association election, not about politics. As a PP, anyone can come to me, and there is no issue with that."

The Central General Secretary of Bangladesh Gano Odhikar Parishad, Rashed Khan, expressed concerns and stated that the matter would be discussed within the party forum.

It’s notable that Advocate Jewel is a close associate and business partner of former MP and General Secretary of Pabna District Awami League, Golam Faruk Prince. He was appointed as Public Prosecutor for Pabna District and Sessions Court on November 17. Since then, protests and press conferences have been held demanding his removal, but he remains in the position.

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