STAFF CORRESPONDENT

The Bangladesh Bar Council has suspended the licence of Md Masder Hossain, barring him from practising as a lawyer, over allegations of misappropriating Tk 1.25 crore from a client.

Masder Hossain, a former district and sessions judge and also a member of the Judiciary Reform Commission formed during the interim government, has been directed to explain within 15 days why his licence should not be permanently revoked.

In a press release, the bar council said the decision was taken unanimously at a meeting on Wednesday.

The council acted after taking note of a report published in a daily newspaper on April 12, which alleged that Masder Hossain had misappropriated the funds.

According to the report, he admitted to the allegation. Considering the prima facie truth of the claim and issues of professional ethics, the bar council found sufficient grounds to initiate proceedings against him.

His licence will remain suspended during the 15-day period, the press release said.

Masder Hossain, however, yesterday refuted the news report, saying it contains misleading, exaggerated, and baseless allegations.

“In reality, I have filed an appeal in accordance with the law in the relevant case. At different stages, the amount determined has changed, and I have already deposited a portion of it into the government treasury in accordance with proper procedures. Currently, approximately Tk 17,35,000 remains outstanding. Upon payment of this remaining

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