Human rights groups criticize case against ZI Khan Panna | Rights organizations condemn the case against ZI Khan Panna

Several rights organizations today condemned the attempted murder case against the senior Supreme Court justice and expressed serious concerns lawyer ZI Khan Panna.

Ain o Salish Kendra called the case “false and intimidating” in a statement.

ASK suggested that the case may have been sparked by dissatisfaction over Panna’s recent comments on rights and socio-political issues in the country.

The statement, signed by Abu Ahmed Farzul Kabir, senior coordinator of ASK, said that from the beginning of the movement, Panna has supported the legitimate demands of students by providing legal assistance to detained student leaders.

“Given his active role on rights and social issues, it is reasonable to suspect that this case represents an attempt at intimidation, which is both unjust and reprehensible,” the statement said.

ASK further described Panna as a lifelong advocate for human rights, highlighting his efforts against extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances and torture. The organization said he faced backlash for speaking out against violence and repression. Panna was always a staunch defender of freedom of expression and the rights of religious and ethnic minorities, the statement said.

Similarly, the Bangladesh Legal Aid and Services Trust demanded the immediate withdrawal of Panna’s name from the case and an inquiry into why he was involved.

BLAST also recalled that Panna previously faced harassment in court during the student movement, where the state lawyer insulted him for his role and called him a “traitor”.

The organization warned that such “intimidating” cases hinder justice for the real victims of the student movement in July and August. BLAST urged high-level action to ensure justice for the victims of the July massacre, provide legal aid to the injured and put an end to the ongoing harassment.

The Manabadhikar Shongskriti Foundation also condemned the case, calling it ‘baseless and intimidating’.

Doctors Without Borders accused the authorities of defaming prominent rights defenders and thereby hampering freedom of expression. The organization added that filing arbitrary cases undermines the justice system and erodes public trust.

The Human Rights Forum Bangladesh (HRFB) also strongly condemned the lawsuit, saying it obstructs justice and suppresses dissent. HRFB described the case as a shameful attempt to silence civil society and suppress freedom of thought and expression.

Md Baker, 52, filed the case at Khilgaon police station accusing 180 persons, including Panna, who was accused of shooting his son Ahadul Islam on July 19.