The security concern came to a head after a political leader was killed in front of the court premises in July this year, the latest in a series of such murders over the years.

But apart from the district judge, no-one is provided with a security force at work.

"The security arrangement around my court is insufficient. The home ministry deployed more police personnel. Still, they are not enough," the chief metropolitan magistrate (CMM) of Dhaka, Mohammad Ayub, told Star City.

"The CMM's court was set up at the premises of the deputy commissioner's office in 1979. Our new court building is being constructed close-by. A good security arrangement could be installed there after completion of construction," said Ayub.

Only 100 constables and officials deal with about 1,200 arrestees and on-trial prisoners, including some notorious criminals, every day.

The police service rule says at least 30 constables are needed for every 100 captives. "And we need at least 350 constables for the arrestees and prisoners the court deals with a day," said Court Inspector Alfaz Zaman Nakib.

There are 59 posts of sub-inspector at the courts that house about 86 courtrooms, but only 35 posts are filled.

"I would rather say the security system has improved a little. It was worse before. Pocket gates of the courts have been sealed. And another 100 constables now guard the court premises. No-one can get away easily after committing crime on the court premises," said Nakib.

Last month, Anwarul Haque, a political leader, was murdered in front of the court premises and the killers escaped without much resistance from police.

Murgi Milon, ringleader of a crime cartel, was gunned down in front of the judge's court in May 2001. Morshed, Shamvu, Motiur Rahman, Ataur Rahman Azad and a constable were also killed in separate incidents.

"The situation remained the same as before. In May this year, some alleged criminals tossed shoes at Metropolitan Sessions Judge Motiur Rahman when the verdict went against them," said Prakash Biswas, a member of the Court Reporters' Association.

On July 31 this year, Sweden Aslam, accused of many counts of crime, slapped a cameraman of ATN Bangla in front of police. "Police did not take any action against him, rather they made fun of it," said a lawyer on condition of anonymity.

On August 3, a young man was caught with a revolver in the court area. His case is pending with court.

The courts are the workplaces for 8,000 lawyers registered with the Dhaka Bar Association. Besides, hundreds of people pour onto the court premises every daysome to face litigation and the rest to visit their loved ones in custody.

"It is not an easy task to manage the crowds," said the court inspector.