A judge of district judge rank in Cox’s Bazar has raised concerns over security at the district court following an alleged incident in which a young man displayed a pistol to intimidate a judge inside the court premises.
According to the judge, who spoke to Jugantor, the incident took place on 30 November. Following the alleged threat, two other judges summoned the then officer-in-charge of Sadar Police Station, Chhamiuddin, and asked him to review the court’s closed-circuit television footage and take appropriate action against the person involved.
The matter was also brought to the attention of the police superintendent. However, the judge said no effective action was subsequently taken.
The incident reportedly prompted several judges of district judge rank to seek additional personal security. In January, they wrote to then Cox’s Bazar Police Superintendent ANM Sajedur Rahman requesting armed police guards, commonly referred to as gunmen, for their protection.
According to the judges’ account, however, no security personnel were assigned to them. They also received no response to their written request.
Concerns over security at the court premises intensified after another violent incident on 24 May. In broad daylight, gunfire broke out inside the court compound, leaving two people with bullet injuries and several others injured.
The shooting added to growing anxiety among judges, lawyers, court officials and members of the public who visit the court for legal proceedings. Court premises are expected to provide a secure environment where judicial proceedings can take place without intimidation or violence. Incidents involving firearms can therefore have wider implications for public confidence in the justice system.
Cox’s Bazar District Bar Association President Advocate Md Abdul Mannan said he had not witnessed such a deterioration in the district’s law-and-order situation since independence. He said fear of criminal activity had become particularly noticeable in parts of Ukhiya and Teknaf, where some areas reportedly become unusually quiet before evening because of residents’ concerns over criminals.
The lawyer also said that the reported shooting at the court and the alleged intimidation of a judge with a firearm had created fear among judges, lawyers and ordinary people.
The allegations have raised questions about the security arrangements in and around the Cox’s Bazar court complex. They have also prompted concern over whether earlier warnings were adequately addressed. The reported request for personal security made by several judges in January, in particular, has come under scrutiny following the subsequent shooting.
A court complex brings together judges, lawyers, litigants, witnesses, police personnel, court employees and members of the public. The presence of large numbers of people, combined with the sensitive nature of judicial proceedings, makes security a crucial part of court administration.
The reported incidents have consequently renewed calls for stronger security measures at the Cox’s Bazar court premises. These include properly assessing threats to judges, ensuring adequate security personnel and examining previous complaints or requests for protection.
Questions also remain over why the alleged pistol threat did not result in effective action after the matter was reportedly brought to the attention of police authorities. A proper investigation into both incidents could establish what happened, whether security procedures were followed and whether further measures are required to prevent similar incidents.
For those working in or visiting the court, the issue extends beyond individual protection. A secure judicial environment is essential for ensuring that legal proceedings can continue without fear, pressure or disruption.
