Any death is tragic, we are ashamed: HC

In the midst of a hearing concerning a writ petition seeking a directive to halt the shooting of protesting students across the country, the High Court remarked on Tuesday, "Any death is tragic for all of us. We will not address emotional matters in court. We are very ashamed."

The High Court bench, consisting of Justice Mustafa Zaman Islam and Justice SM Masud Hossain Dolon, made these comments. Following the hearing, the court scheduled the next session for Wednesday.

During Tuesday's hearing, Senior Lawyer Barrister Sara Hossain and Lawyer Barrister Aneek R Haque represented the writ petitioners. Additional Attorneys General SM Munir, Sheikh Mohammad (SK) Morshed, and Mohammad Mehedi Hasan Chowdhury appeared for the state. Senior lawyers Yusuf Hossain Humayun, Nurul Islam Sujan, Azhar Ullah Bhuiyan, and Shah Manjurul Haque also participated in the hearing.

The writ petition seeks an order to prevent the shooting of protesters and to release six coordinators of the anti-quota movement from DB custody.

Addressing the writ, the court stated, "All matters are written in the constitution and law. But none of us are following the constitution, the law.”

During the proceedings, Lawyer Aneek R Haque presented a report about the death of six-year-old child Ria, who was found dead on the roof of a house in Narayanganj. The court responded, "These deaths are tragic for all of us."

Aneek R Haque added, "Right. When a life is lost, there are no parties. A six-year-old child...."

The court reiterated, "We will not address emotional issues in court. We are very ashamed.”

Earlier on Monday, Supreme Court lawyers Manzur-al-Matin and Ainun Nahar Siddiqa filed the writ. The law secretary, home secretary, chairman of the National Human Rights Commission, inspector general of police, and other concerned parties have been named as defendants.

The writ requests the court to issue a rule questioning why the direct use of live bullets against protesters should not be declared outside legal authority and why orders should not be given to stop using live bullets. Additionally, it seeks a ruling on why the coordinators of the anti-discrimination student movement, detained under the guise of security, should not be ordered to be released promptly.