A driver for Dhaka’s Women and Children Repression Prevention Tribunal-7 has accused Judge Sohel Rana of assaulting him inside the judge’s chamber on Sunday. Ali Hossain Bacchu said he was called at about 9:30am with the vehicle logbook and was questioned over an entry showing 7am. He alleged that, after explaining the timing was needed to clean the car before the judge entered at 8am, the judge punched him near the eye and slapped him near the ear.

Bacchu said the judge’s peon pulled him away, while a kick was attempted but did not strike him. He alleged he was abused and later had watery, swollen eyes. He also made allegations concerning the use of the vehicle and fuel allocation, saying these issues had caused tensions, and said he wanted justice and might pursue legal action.

Driver Abdur Rahim of Tribunal-4 said Bacchu came to them while unwell and was sent to National Medical College Hospital, where he received primary treatment and had one eye bandaged. Judge Rana denied punching him, saying he had questioned the driver about professional duties including vehicle cleaning and logbook updates, then pushed him out of the room after the driver looked at him angrily.