President of the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) Khandaker Mahbub Hossain on Wednesday termed an ‘evil effort’ the government’s move for the 16th constitutional amendment, aiming to restore parliament’s authority to impeach judges of the apex court.Addressing a press briefing, he also alleged that the Awami League-led government has taken the decision in a bid to politicise the judiciary and establish its control over the judges. The briefing was held at the Supreme Court building after a views-exchange meeting with senior SCBA leaders. “We think the government is trying to politicise the judiciary and bring it under the administration with a motive to keep the judges in constant fear,” Mahbub said.He said, they at the meeting talked about waging a movement together with all lawyers irrespective of party and opinion under the SCBA banner against the government decision for protecting the rule of law in the country.The SCBA President said they will sit again on Monday for further discussions on waging a strong movement to force the regime to rescind its decision.Asked about the nature of the movement, Mahbub said, “The lawyers will initiate the agitation and will try to involve the people of all strata in it. Our movement will be apolitical, aiming to protect the rule of law in the country.”On Monday, the Cabinet approved the draft of the ‘Constitution (16th amendment) Bill, 2014’ for restoring parliament’s authority to impeach the judges of the Supreme Court for gross misconduct or physical and mental incapacity.SCBA leaders, including Moudud Ahmed, Rafiqul Islam Mia, Zainul Abedin, AJ Mohammad Ali, Bodruddiza Badal, ABM Nurul Islam, Mahbub Uddin Khokon, Masud Ahmed were, among others, present at the meeting.
