Barrister Rafiqul Haque was a legendary lawyer



Dr. Mahfuz Parvez, Associate Editor, Barta24.com
photo Collected

photo Collected

  • Font increase
  • Font Decrease

Dhaka:  Numerous people are involved in various professions. But how many people have achieved proverbial success and fame? Which doctors, engineers, teachers, lawyers, journalists or bureaucrats are known by the one name at home and abroad? There are very few such successful people. Many, many years later came someone who made the profession dignified and became an icon.

In the context of the legal profession, it can be said that Ramjet Malani of India. Ramjet Malani, a young Sindhi man who came to India from Karachi in 1947, has never lost a case. Justice has been ensured in many discussed, complex, controversial and important cases through his intellectual participation and contribution. In the realm of Indian law, he has played a glorious role in advocating for the human-legal rights of the people, from politicians to life legends.

In Pakistan A. K. Brohi was also a lawyer who played a memorable role in defending democratic rights against military rule. His contribution to the political history of undivided Pakistan is exemplary.

Among thousands of lawyers in Bangladesh, such brilliance has been seen in a handful of people. One was Barrister Ishtiaq Ahmed. He is an emigrant like Malani, Brohi. After partition of India, Barrister Ishtiaq came to live with his family in Mymensingh, his father's workplace. Incidentally, he was a student of Mymensingh Zilla School. My father was the first MBBS practitioner in Kishoreganj, a language veteran and an organizer of the liberation war was the class mate of Dr. A. A.  Mazharul Haque.

In addition to personal affection, I also had contact with Barrister Ishtiaq for professional reasons. He freed 'Sapatahik Robbar' at the Ittefaq bhavan in 1989/90 through a special legal battle. On behalf of Robbar journalist Sheikh Mohiuddin and I kept in touch with him every day at that time.

That's when I met Rafiq-ul Haq. He was the junior of Barrister Ishtiaq. Like the rest, he was a man who became a victim of partition of India. Born on 2 November 1935 in the village of Subarnapur in Kolkata, he graduated from Kolkata University in 1955 and obtained his post-graduate degree in philosophy in 1957. He passed LLB in 1958. He completed Bar- at -Law from the United Kingdom in 1962. He started his legal career in 1965 as a lawyer in the Supreme Court and in 1973 as a lawyer in the Appellate Division. After nearly 60 years in the colorful legal profession, he has left a beacon of glory as he traveled to an unknown destination.

He was a staunch supporter of national politics and democratic rights. His voice was loud and was a front warrior in crisis. Everyone knew this brave lawyer in the complex situation of 1/11. On talk shows, on the court porch, in the courtroom, he regularly spoke in favor of political rights. High profile cases could not have been imagined without him. In the special circumstances of 1/11, he handled the cases of the two imprisoned leaders fearlessly.

When no one dared to come forward in fear, panic, this old- slim man fought like a banyan tree inside and outside the court. He showed light in the dark days for the rule of law and democratic rights. He was vocal in establishing good governance and protecting the independence and image of the judiciary.

Barrister Rafiq-ul Haq also assisted the court on many important constitutional and legal issues of Bangladesh. His experience, knowledge and respect in the field of law made him a respected and acceptable figure in all circles. His fearless speaking, intellect, intelligence and sense of humor were exemplary.

Barrister Rafiq-ul Haq has worked with Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Ziaur Rahman, Hussain Muhammad Ershad, current Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia at different times. From April 7 to December 17, 1990, he served as the state's highest law officer, the Attorney General. It is a rare fact that he did not take any honorarium while performing this duty and he has never formed any political party in his professional life following the purity and neutrality. But all politicians stood by him in danger. He spent the lion share of his earnings on human welfare and was a patron of many social services organizations.

Barrister Rafique enjoyed his whole childhood and schooling in his birth town, Kolkata, the capital of West Bengal province of India. His first school was Chetola Primary of south Kolkata. Later he went to London to study Bar-at-Law and returned back to Dhaka as a Pakistani citizen. In this consideration, he had unique credential with the citizenship of four countries such as British, Indian, Pakistani and Bangladeshi respectively.

During his study in Kolkata Islamia College, he came in touch with Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. Again, in Baker Hostel of Kokata University, he was next door neighbor of Bangabandhu.

Barister Rafique was a scholar with extraordinary merit. When he was a student of Law at Kolkata University, he stood first in the subject named Criminal Law and achieved a Gold Medal. He was also an expert of Hindu Law. He completed the study of Bar-At-Law in one and half year although it was a three year course. He was the pioneer in teaching Hindu Law in Dhaka University and also the examiner of the Law Departments of Chittagong and Rajshahi University.

He was involved with student politics as per his family’s political background. He was elected twice in the Student Union of Kolkata University. He was also the Vice President of West Bengal Province Youth Congress (Juva Congress) when Indira Gandhi was the Central President of All Indian National Youth Congress. He had the opportunity to met and work with Indira Gandhi in several occasions.

Barrister Rafique’s father Momen Ul Haq was a physician. But he was a political-social leader and the Chairman of 24 Parganas Municipality, Kolkata was the part of this during that time. Barrister Rafique’s grandfather was one of the founder of Islami Eye Hospital located at Farmgate in Dhaka. Similarly, Barrister Rafique involved in various charitable organizations like Shishu Hospital, Suborno linic, BARDEM, Ad-Din Hospital, Ahsania Mission Cancer Hospital etc. He devoted all most his every earning in 100-beded Suborna-Ibrahim General Hospital in Gazipur.

His beloved wife Dr. Farida Haque died in 2011. After the death of Farida Haque, he became very lonely. Later he himself contracted many complex diseases. Nevertheless, he was active in his profession and human welfare. He has enhanced the prestige and prosperity of his profession in his long career and has established himself as a successful legacy of devout lawyers in South Asia. He will be remembered in the world of Bangladeshi law courts as a rare, unique and exemplary lawyer.

We will not see him in various seminars, discussions or social events or in the shady, cool, tidy house named 'Subarna' of 47/1 Purana Paltan in the capital. Turning his hand gently on his back, he would no longer say, 'Young Professor, what's up'. But I am sure that beyond the stillness of death, he will remain awake in the court of law, in the struggle for democracy, in the quest for the rule of law, and in the jewel of the human heart. Bangladesh will forever remember Rafiq-ul-Haq, a unique and extraordinary barrister. 

   

The King of Bhutan satisfied with the site, wants to come again to Kurigram



Staff Correspondent, Barta24.com, Kurigram
Photo: Barta24

Photo: Barta24

  • Font increase
  • Font Decrease

King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck of Bhutan visited the 'Bhutan Special Economic Zone' in the northern district of Kurigram. This was the first visit of a foreign head of state to Kurigram.

On Thursday (March 28) from 1:20 PM to 1:35 PM, the King of Bhutan stayed at the 'Bhutan Special Economic Zone' in Madhavaram village of Dharla bank near Kurigram town.

Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA) Executive Chairman Sheikh Yusuf Haroon spoke to reporters after leaving the venue after visiting the King of Bhutan Economic Zone. He said the king of Bhutan has agreed to develop this place as an economic zone. He visited the place and liked it. He (King of Bhutan) also said that I myself will come here once more when the work starts. He is satisfied with the space and communication system here.

Quoting the King of Bhutan, Yusuf Harun also said, the King said, the factory will be built here in accordance with the needs of the local people and the needs of the investors. Special emphasis will be given to agriculture and productivity.

During the King's visit to Kurigram, he was accompanied by State Minister for Shipping Khalid Mahmud Chowdhury, Executive Chairman of Bangladesh Economic Zone Authority (BEZA) Sheikh Yusuf Haroon, Member of Parliament for Kurigram 2 Constituency Dr. Hamidul Haque Khandkar, Mayor of Kurigram Municipality Kajiul Islam, Superintendent of Police, Deputy Commissioner and other political leaders and administration officials.

After visiting the proposed Economic Zone site of Kurigram, the King of Bhutan entered Golakganj in the Indian state of Assam through Sonahat land port of Bhurungamari upazila around 3 pm. Bangladesh State Minister for Shipping Khalid Mahmud Chowdhury bid him farewell there. This ended the four-day state visit of the King of Bhutan to Bangladesh.

It is to be noted that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina had announced the establishment of Special Economic Zone in Kurigram in 2015 in a public meeting at Kurigram Government College grounds. In view of this, an economic zone has been designated on the eastern side of the Kurigram-Bhurungamari road, east of the Dharla Bridge at the eastern end of the district town.

Then Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina proposed the establishment of Special Economic Zone in Kurigram in a bilateral meeting with the King and Queen of Bhutan in London in May 2023. In response to that call, the government of Bhutan came forward. In view of this, Bangladesh government is giving 190 acres of land to Bhutan to establish a special economic zone in Kurigram. An agreement was also signed with the Government of Bangladesh on the establishment of a Special Economic Zone for Bhutan at Kurigram during the ongoing visit of the King of Bhutan to Bangladesh.

;

Government has come a long way in rescuing hostages including ships: Foreign Minister



Staff Correspondent, Barta24.com, Dhaka
Photo: Collected

Photo: Collected

  • Font increase
  • Font Decrease

Foreign Minister Dr. Hasan Mahmud said that the government has come a long way to free the Bangladeshi ship MV Abdullah and 23 sailors.

He said, we are in communication to rescue the sailors. Various activities are being carried out to free them. We continue to work keeping in mind that no harm should come to them. I just want to say that we have come a long way.

The Foreign Minister gave this information in response to questions from journalists at a briefing on contemporary affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday (March 28).

Hasan Mahmud said about the food shortage in the ship, food shortage did not happen in the past when the ship was hijacked. After three years of detention, it did not happen. 100 days have not yet passed. Hopefully, it won't happen in this case either.

Note that on March 12, Somali pirates hijacked the Bangladeshi ship MV Abdullah in the Indian Ocean, 600 nautical miles from the coast of Somalia. After three days, the hostage ship with the sailors was taken to the coast of Somalia. The pirates anchored the ship off the coast of Gadvajiran, Somalia after making two changes of location.

After 9 days of taking the Bangladeshi ship hostage with 23 sailors, Somali pirates contacted the owners.

;

Prime Minister’s directives to be proactive in dealing with LDC transition and challenges



Staff Correspondent, Barta24.com, Dhaka
Photo: Collected

Photo: Collected

  • Font increase
  • Font Decrease

In 2026, Bangladesh will get to be promoted from the Least Developed Country (LDC) list to a developing country. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has given instructions on what benefits will be available from abroad and what challenges will be faced. Also, the head of government ordered to be proactive in dealing with the problem from now on.

She gave this instruction at the meeting of the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) at the NEC conference room in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar on Thursday (March 28).

The meeting was presided over by Prime Minister and ECNEC Chairperson Sheikh Hasina. At the end of the meeting Minister of Planning Major General (retd.) Abdus Salam and Minister of State for Planning Md. Shahiduzzaman Sarkar gave details in the press conference. At that time, Secretary of Planning Division Satyajit Karmakar and members of Planning Commission were present.

In the meeting, the Prime Minister said that the projects which are in the last stage should be completed by releasing money quickly.

ECNEC meeting approved Chancery House construction project in Egypt. The Prime Minister has asked to keep booths and waiting areas for serving expatriates there. Apart from this, Union Parishad Complex construction projects have also been approved in all districts of Bangladesh. She ordered to complete the work of this project as soon as possible and to preserve the rain water there.

Sheikh Hasina has said that a special system for training women will be kept in the new complex of the Weaving Board. Along with that, she instructed all the upazilas of Kurigram to prevent river erosion and work keeping in mind the risk of erosion in the construction of roads.

It is to be noted that 11 projects at a cost of Tk. 8 thousand 425 crore 51 lakh have been approved in the meeting of the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC). Out of this, Tk. 7 thousand 939 crore 87 lakh will be available from government funds and 485 crore 64 lakh rupees from project loans.

Approved projects include - Construction of Bangladesh Chancery Complex and Residential Building in Cairo, Egypt, Procurement of 20 Meter Gauge Diesel Electric Locomotive and 150 Meter Gauge Passenger Carriage (1st Revised) for Bangladesh Railways, Kashinathpur-Dashuria-Nator-Rajshahi-Nawabganj-Kansat-Sonamsjid-Baliadighi Border (N-06) Improvement of National Highway to appropriate standard and width (Nawabganj section), Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock infrastructure development (1st phase) to increase the capacity of existing government fish farms and fish production, Improvement of Fish Landing Center of Bangladesh Fisheries Development Corporation in Cox's Bazar District Scheme, Rural Infrastructure Development Scheme of Districts of Greater Rangpur Region, Construction of Union Parishad Complex Building (3rd Phase), Establishment of Comprehensive Cancer, Heart Disease and Kidney Treatment Centers in 8 Divisional Towns Health Services Department (1st Revised) etc.

;

‘Bangladeshi Americans are working to strengthen the relationship between the two countries’



News Desk, Barta24.com
Photo: Barta24.com

Photo: Barta24.com

  • Font increase
  • Font Decrease

The US Assistant Secretary of State for the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs, Ambassador Donald Lu, has highly appreciated the contributions of the Bangladeshi Americans to building the foundations of bilateral relations between the two nations.

Ambassador Lu was addressing as the Guest of Honour a reception hosted by Bangladesh Embassy in Washington DC on Tuesday evening on the occasion of the celebration of the Independence and National Day of Bangladesh.


Bangladesh Ambassador to the United States Mr. Muhammad Imran delivered the welcome address at the function held at Bangabandhu Auditorium of the Mission.

US Assistant Secretary of State Donald Lu said there are huge number of Bangladeshi Americans in the United States and it’s their strength and tremendous hard work that builds the foundation of the excellent relations between the two countries.


“We are so proud of the work of the Bangladeshi Americans what they do to support the relations between our two great nations,” he said.

In this connection, Mr. Donald Lu referred to Bangladeshi-American entrepreneurs who have excelled in different fields with their unique and innovative ideas.

The US Assistant Secretary of State concluded his remarks by saying, “Happy Birthday Bangladesh and Joy Bangla”.


In his welcome remarks, Bangladesh Ambassador Muhammad Imran extended heartfelt greetings to all Bangladeshi people living at home at abroad on the occasion of the great Independence and National Day.

He also paid deep homage to Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and three million martyrs who sacrificed their life for the cause of independence.

Ambassador Imran said Bangladesh attaches high importance to its long-standing partnership with the United States. Ever since the establishment our two countries’ relations, there prevailed excellent understanding and collaboration with the United States playing a positive role in Bangladesh’s development journey.

Caption

He mentioned that Bangladesh also shares with the United States a common vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific region with shared prosperity for all. We sincerely believe that two countries will be able to strengthen and advance the relationship further and explore new areas of cooperation, Ambassador Imran said.

He said Bangladesh looks forward to the support and cooperation from all its friends to realize the dream of our Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman to transform Bangladesh into “Sonar Bangla” (Golden Bengal), a hunger-and poverty-free prosperous Bangladesh.

Later, the US Assistant Secretary of State and the Bangladesh Ambassador jointly cut a cake in the presence of the guests. Earlier, the reception began with the playing of the national anthems of Bangladesh and the United States. It was followed by a screening of a documentary on the Liberation War and development of Bangladesh.

Ambassador Rebecca Gonzales, Director, Office of Foreign Missions, US State Department, Ambassadors and diplomats of different countries, senior officials of the State Department, and representatives from the US Government, USAID, USTR, NDI, IRI and other organizations were present at the function.

The event was also attended by Ambassador Mr. Muhammad Ziauddin, Ambassador at Large of the Prime Minister of Bangladesh and former Bangladesh Ambassador to the USA, Dr. Ahmed Kaikaus, ex-Alternate Executive Director of World Bank Group and Principal Secretary to Hon’ble Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Mr. Saddam Selim, a Bangladeshi American elected a State Senator from Virginia and Dr. Siddiqur Rahman, the President of the US chapter of Bangladesh Awami League and the members of the Bangladeshi diaspora.

To celebrate the great Independence and National Day, the Bangladesh Embassy arranged daylong programs that included hoisting of the National Flag, placing a floral wreath at the bust of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, screening of a documentary and holding a discussion session and a special prayer.

The day’s programs began in the morning with ceremonially hoisting of the National Flag by Ambassador Muhammad Imran on the Chancery premises. Officials and employees of the Mission were present on the occasion.

Later, the Ambassador placed a floral wreath at the bust of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in the presence of the officials of the Embassy.

The messages issued on the occasion by the Hon'ble President, Hon'ble Prime Minister, and the Foreign Minister were read out by Minister (Consular) Mohammad Habibur Rahman, Minister (Press) AZM Sajjad Hossain and Counsellor and Head of Chancery Ms Shamima Yeasmin Smrite.

Later, a discussion session highlighting the significance of the Independence and National Day was held at the Bangabandhu Auditorium. Counsellor and Head of Chancery of Bangladesh Embassy Shamima Yeasmin Smrite and First Secretary (Passport and Visa Wing) Muhammad Abdul Hye Milton conducted the two parts of the programs.

;