The President of the Barisal District Lawyers’ Association, Advocate Sadikul Rahman Linkon, was arrested by the DB (Detective Branch) police on Wednesday, 25 February, following allegations of disorderly conduct and vandalism in the courtroom of the Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate in Barisal.
The arrest took place around 12:30 PM at his chamber within the Barisal court complex. Following his detention, he was produced before the Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate, SM Shariat Ullah, who ordered that Linkon be remanded to custody.
Confirming the arrest, OC Al Manun Ul Islam of Kotwali Model Police Station stated that preparations were underway to transfer Linkon to prison.
Protests Erupt in Court Premises
In response to Linkon’s arrest, a large group of lawyers staged a protest outside the court. Demonstrators demanded the removal of both the Chief Metropolitan Magistrate and the Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate, citing dissatisfaction with recent judicial decisions.
The unrest and presence of lawyers near the courthouse entrance made it challenging for law enforcement to escort Linkon to prison. To prevent further chaos, a substantial deployment of army personnel, RAB, police, and DB officials was made within the court premises.
Background of the Incident
The tensions escalated after lawyers boycotted the court on 24 February in protest of the bail granted to Advocate Talukdar Md. Yunus, General Secretary of the Barisal District Awami League and a former member of parliament. On the same afternoon, during ongoing court proceedings, Linkon reportedly entered the Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate’s courtroom, creating a disturbance and damaging furniture in front of the magistrate. CCTV footage of the incident later circulated widely on social media.
Hafiz Ahmed Bablu, Assistant Public Prosecutor of the Barisal Metropolitan Magistrate Court, commented, “While explosive-related cases require bail to be sought from the District Judge Court, lower court proceedings are being influenced for the benefit of political figures, undermining legal protocol. Lawyers protested this practice, leading to the arrest of Linkon. We strongly condemn such actions.”
He added that the legal community demands the immediate removal of the Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate, and until this is addressed, the boycott and protest programmes will continue.
Timeline of Key Events
| Date & Time | Event |
|---|---|
| 24 Feb 2026, Morning | Lawyers boycott court over bail for Talukdar Md. Yunus |
| 24 Feb 2026, Afternoon | Sadikul Rahman Linkon causes courtroom disturbance, damages chairs and tables |
| 25 Feb 2026, 12:30 PM | DB police arrest Linkon from his court chamber |
| 25 Feb 2026, Early Afternoon | Produced before Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate; remanded to custody |
| 25 Feb 2026, Afternoon | Lawyers stage protests outside court demanding removal of magistrates |
The Barisal court incident highlights the escalating tensions between the legal community and political influences within judicial proceedings, raising concerns about courtroom decorum and law enforcement intervention.