Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, the Secretary General of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), and 21 other BNP leaders were acquitted today by the Dhaka Metropolitan Sessions Court in a case filed under the Explosive Substances Act. The court accepted the final report submitted by the police, which concluded that there was no evidence to support the charges against the accused, reports BSS.
The case stemmed from accusations that the BNP leaders had been involved in setting fire to a Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) double-cabin vehicle during the BNP grand rally on October 28, 2023, in Naya Palton. The accused were also charged with attacking law enforcement officers and throwing cocktails and brickbats at them. The case was initially filed by DMP constable Shahin Alam on November 3, 2023.
After the case was transferred to the Detective Branch (DB) of the DMP, an investigation was carried out. DB Sub-Inspector Ruhul Amin Morshed submitted the final report in February 2024, which found no evidence to support the allegations against the leaders.
Among those acquitted were prominent BNP members such as Habibur Rahman Habib, Rabiul Islam Nayon, Nurul Islam Nayon, Khandkar Enamul Haque Enam, Sharif Uddin Juwel, and Sajjadul Miraz. Advocate Zakir Hossain Jewel, representing Mirza Fakhrul, confirmed the acquittal and expressed that the case lacked a solid foundation from the outset.
The court's decision marks a significant legal development for the BNP, as the party continues to face legal challenges amidst ongoing political tensions in the country. This ruling is likely to further fuel political debates and discussions about the judicial handling of opposition leaders in Bangladesh.
Bd-pratidin English/ Jisan
