A series of escapes, assaults and chaotic scenes at Dhaka courts has exposed serious flaws in security and management, raising concerns over the safety of accused persons, lawyers and journalists as well as the overall sanctity of the judiciary.

On 22 October, an accused under the Special Powers Act, Rubel Ahmed, escaped from the 10th floor of the Dhaka Chief Metropolitan Magistrate (CMM) Court on the pretext of going to the toilet. Despite extensive searches, he remains missing, according to court sources.

This was the third escape this year.

On 19 June, murder suspect Shariful Islam fled after attacking a police officer on court premises, while on 17 February, another accused, Shahidul Islam, escaped from the Chief Judicial Magistrate’s Court compound.

Police and court sources said the incidents highlight inadequate manpower, overcrowding and outdated surveillance systems within the court complex.

The atmosphere at the CMM Court often turns chaotic, especially during hearings involving high-profile or politically sensitive accused.

Several violent incidents have occurred in recent months.

On 4 September, a Somoy TV journalist was beaten by a group of lawyers while covering the bail hearing of journalist Monjurul Alam Panna, arrested under the Anti-Terrorism Act.

On 28 October, three journalists were harassed by lawyers while taking video footage; they later offered unconditional apologies before the court.

Another altercation took place on 6 October, when one lawyer was allegedly attacked by colleagues following a hearing involving an Awami League leader.

Court sources said even accused individuals have been assaulted inside the premises.

On 28 October, Khairul Bashar, chairman of BSB Global Network and an accused in a money-laundering case, was attacked by aggrieved complainants while entering the court, despite police presence. He had earlier been assaulted on 15 July.

After the fall of the Hasina regime, several former Awami League leaders, including Dipu Moni and Saber Hossain Chowdhury, were also attacked by mobs inside the court premises.

Crowds of political activists and sympathisers frequently gather inside and outside the court, sometimes chanting slogans despite a 2005 High Court ruling banning rallies, sit-ins and processions within court compounds.

Street vendors have occupied parts of the premises, while the main road in front of the CMM Court doubles as a protest ground and informal market. Theft and mugging are also common.

On 9 October, a man was caught stealing parts from a judge’s car, according to court employees.

A lawyer, seeking anonymity, said, “The court area becomes chaotic when VIP accused are brought in. Outsiders and vagabonds move freely without security checks. This cannot continue. Security must be tightened for everyone’s safety.”

Prosecution officials said more than 600 accused persons are brought to the Dhaka courts each day, but only about 500 police personnel are assigned to manage them, far short of what is needed.

There are currently 48 functional CCTV cameras in the CMM and Judge Court areas, which officials said are insufficient for monitoring the vast and crowded premises. No routine security screening or metal detection is conducted at most entry points.

A court source said special security units are rarely deployed except in VIP or high-risk cases.

Journalists working in the court have also demanded formal protection measures.

One of the assaulted journalists, Ariful Islam, said, “The government or Supreme Court should introduce a policy to ensure journalists’ safety in court. Without it, such assaults will continue. We just want to work without fear.”

Officials at the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Prosecution Division said several measures have been taken over the past year to strengthen security for both the accused and court staff.

A prosecution source said high-risk accused are now escorted by 10-12 police officers in box formation, with 40-50 officers forming a human chain from the custody gate to the courtroom to prevent attacks or escape attempts. Inside the court, 6-10 police officers guard the dock until the hearing ends.

Public Prosecutor Omar Faruq Faruqi said authorities have become more cautious following recent incidents.

“Some outsiders entered the court premises wearing lawyers’ attire, which caused several unexpected incidents. We are now verifying identities to ensure only genuine lawyers are present,” he said.

He added that despite crowding, police are stationed at all gates and “doing their best” under the circumstances.

“The number of cases is increasing rapidly, and the CMM Court should ideally be expanded. Security measures for prisoner transfers have already been strengthened with barricades and additional manpower.”

The reporter can be reached at [email protected]