A DNA test on the remains from a grave has confirmed that the body buried under the name "Mahmudur Rahman" is indeed that of Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) leader Abul Harris Chowdhury. This confirmation allows his family to proceed with his reburial, in accordance with their wishes.
The High Court bench, led by Justice Fahmida Quader and Justice Mubina Asaf, issued the ruling on Wednesday, following the submission of the DNA test results. Barrister Mahdin Choudhury represented the family in court.
The DNA test was ordered in response to a writ petition filed by Harris Chowdhury's daughter, barrister Samira Tanzin, who raised concerns over the true identity of the deceased. On September 5, the High Court had directed the DNA test to resolve the uncertainty surrounding the burial.
In 2021, reports revealed that the body of Abul Harris Chowdhury, a former political secretary to ex-prime minister Khaleda Zia, had been mistakenly buried under the name "Mahmudur Rahman" at the Jamia Khatamun Nabiyin Cemetery in Savar, Dhaka, on September 4.
Samira Tanzin expressed deep distress over the confusion surrounding her father’s death, citing speculation and reports fueled by the intelligence services of the then-government. In her petition, she emphasized the emotional toll of the ongoing doubts and called for a legal resolution. "The uncertainty surrounding my father’s death is painful and unacceptable," she said. "It is deeply upsetting that people continue to question what happened."
In response, the court issued a rule questioning why a death certificate for Abul Harris Chowdhury should not be issued in his name and why an Interpol red notice against him should not be lifted, as per his final wishes. The court also directed the relevant authorities to ensure his respectful reburial.
The home secretary, local government secretary, registrar general (births and deaths), CID director, Dhaka district superintendent of police, and the OC of Savar model police station have been instructed to respond to the court’s ruling.
Bd-pratidin English/ Jisan
