[🇧🇩] The fate of big guns/beneficiaries of Awami League after the student revolution

[Saif]

Murder cases: Salman, Anisul, Dipu Moni placed on fresh remand

A Dhaka court today placed Salman F Rahman, private industry affairs adviser to former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, former law minister Anisul Huq, former social welfare minister Dipu Moni, former chief whip ASM Feroz and former army officer Major General Ziaul Ahsan on different terms of...

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Murder cases: Salman, Anisul, Dipu Moni placed on fresh remand

Photo: Salman F Rahman, Anisul Huq and Dipu Moni

A Dhaka court today placed Salman F Rahman, private industry affairs adviser to former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, former law minister Anisul Huq, former social welfare minister Dipu Moni, former chief whip ASM Feroz and former army officer Major General Ziaul Ahsan on different terms of remand for interrogation in four murder cases.

Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Mohammad Jashim passed the orders in the cases, a sub-inspector working in the court told The Daily Star.

Salman, Anisul and Ziaul were placed on a fresh 10-day remand in two murder cases filed with New Market and Lalbagh police stations.

Dipu Moni was placed on a four-day remand in a case filed with Badda Police Station and Feroz was placed on a seven-day remand in a case filed Bhatara Police Station.​

 

[Saif]

Justice Manik hospitalised with critical injuries

Justice AHM Shamsuddin Choudhury Manik, who was attacked and beaten by unruly people while being produced before a Sylhet court, has been admitted to Sylhet MAG Osmani Medical College Hospital with critical injuries

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Justice Manik hospitalised with critical injuries

Justice AHM Shamsuddin Choudhury Manik

Justice AHM Shamsuddin Choudhury Manik, who was attacked and beaten by unruly people while being produced before a Sylhet court, has been admitted to Sylhet MAG Osmani Medical College Hospital with critical injuries.

Manik, a retired judge of the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court, was sent to the hospital by the authorities of Sylhet Central Jail this evening, said Md Sagir Mia, deputy inspector general (DIG) prisons of Sylhet.

Earlier, agitated locals threw eggs and shoes at 75-year-old Manik and also beat him while he was brought to Sylhet court around 4:00pm yesterday (Saturday).

"He was bleeding internally from the beating. One of his testicles was raptured. As his condition was very critical, we rushed him to the hospital after he was handed over to the prison authority after being produced before the court," he said.

DIG Prisons said, "Police usually arrange treatment for critically injured detainees first and then hand over them to the jail authority. But in this case, they did not."

Justice Manik was detained by the BGB from the Dona area in Sylhet's Kanaighat Upazila on Friday night while he was trying to flee to India.

That night, he alleged that he was beaten by a group of people at the border after taking every possession he had. However, his treatment was not arranged.

On Saturday morning, he was handed over to Kanaighat Police Station and the police produced him before Sylhet Judicial Magistrate Court in the afternoon under section 54 of CrPC.

The court sent him to jail and instructed the jail authority to arrange for his treatment as per the jail code.​

 

[Saif]

Former BCL secretary Panna dies while 'attempting to flee to India'

Former General Secretary of Bangladesh Chhatra League and member of the Pirojpur District Awami League, Ishaq Ali Khan Panna, has reportedly died after falling while climbing a mountain in Shillong, Meghalaya, during an attempt to flee to India. The incident occurred on Friday (August 23) at midni

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Former BCL secretary Panna dies while 'attempting to flee to India'
FE ONLINE DESK
Published :
Aug 25, 2024 00:08
Updated :
Aug 25, 2024 00:10

Former General Secretary of Bangladesh Chhatra League and member of the Pirojpur District Awami League, Ishaq Ali Khan Panna, has reportedly died after falling while climbing a mountain in Shillong, Meghalaya, during an attempt to flee to India.

The incident occurred on Friday (August 23) at midnight.

After the fall of the Awami League government, Panna had planned to go into hiding and attempt to flee to India under the changed circumstances.

After crossing the border, he climbed a mountain in Shillong, Meghalaya, around midnight on Friday.

During his attempt to cross the mountain to the other side, he fell and suffered a heart attack. He died there, his family said.

His body has been kept in a police station on the Indian side of the Tamabil border in Sylhet, they added.

Some reports, however, claim that Panna was shot by the BSF while trying to cross the border. There were signs of gunshots and blood on his body.​

 

[Saif]

Hasina made accused in 12 more cases

Former prime minister Sheikh Hasina was accused in 12 more cases filed in Dhaka and elsewhere yesterday.

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Hasina made accused in 12 more cases
10 filed over killings during protests, 1 over ex-BDR official’s death

File photo

Former prime minister Sheikh Hasina was accused in 12 more cases filed in Dhaka and elsewhere yesterday.

Ten of these cases were filed over killings that took place during the recent student protest.

Besides, a case was filed over the death of a former official of the then Bangladesh Rifles (BDR) in 2010 while the father of a victim of enforced disappearance filed an abduction case.

Hasina is now facing 61 cases, including 51 for murder, seven for crimes against humanity and genocide, and two for abduction.

Former Awami League ministers Obaidul Quader, Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, Anisul Huq, and Jahangir Kabir Nanak, and former inspector general of police Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun are among the accused in the cases.

Hasina, former army chief Aziz Ahmed, and 11 others were sued yesterday over the death of Abdur Rahim, the former deputy director of BDR in 2010.

Rahim, an accused in the BDR carnage case, died in jail on July 29 of that year.

Advocate Abdul Aziz, son of deceased Abdur Rahim, filed the case with the court of Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Md Akhtaruzzaman.

Mosharraf Hossain Kajol, the then public prosecutor of the BDR mutiny case, and former lawmakers Sheikh Fazle Noor Taposh, Sheikh Fazlul Karim Selim, Sheikh Helal, and Mirza Azam are among the accused in the case.

Hasina and 48 others were sued in a case filed over the death of university student Sheikh Ashabul Yamin at the Savar Bazar bus stand during the quota reform movement on July 18.

The victim's uncle, Abdullah Al Kabir, filed the case with a Dhaka court. In a viral video, Yamin, a student of the Military Institute of Science and Technology (MIST), was seen being dropped on the road by the law enforcers from their armoured van. He was still alive at the time.

One Masud Rana filed a case with another Dhaka court against Hasina and 24 others over the death of his brother-in-law, Babu Mollah, in the Hatirjheel area on July 19.

Hasina and 21 others were sued over the death of Golam Nafiz, 17, at the Farmgate area of Tejgaon on August 1. Rafiqul Islam filed a case with the court of Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Mohammad Nurul Huda Chowdhury.

Nasir Uddin filed a case with a Dhaka court against Hasina and 18 others over the death of shop employee Jasim Uddin, 35, in the Uttara Paschim area on July 18.

Upon separate hearings, the four magistrates recorded the statements of the complainants and asked the officer-in-charges (OC) of the police stations concerned to register the complaints as the First Information Report (FIR).

Yesterday, Rizia Begum, 36, filed a case with the court of Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Saddam Hossain against Hasina and 33 others over the death of his nephew journalist Mehedi Hasan near the Kazla Toll Plaza over Hanif Flyover in Jatrabari during quota protests on July 18.

Babul Mia, 42, also filed a case with the court of the same magistrate over the death of one Jisan against Hasina and 26 in Matuail on July 20, while Mamunur Rashid, 34, filed a case against Hasina and 27 others over the death of his brother-in-law Yusuf Mia Sanoar in Shani Akhra area on July 20.

Another case was filed against Hasina and 13 others over the death of Mahamudur Rahman Soikot, 19, in Mohammadpur on July 19.

Besides, 30-40 unnamed police officers and members were also accused.

In Narsingdi, Angur Mia, the brother-in-law of the slain Jaman Mia, filed a murder case against Hasina and two others with a local court.

The court directed the Madhabdi Police Station officer-in-charge to record it as an FIR.

Local Awami League leaders and activists, at the behest of the named accused, opened fire on a peaceful student protest on July 21. Jaman was shot while overseeing the protest and later succumbed to his injuries on July 25 at Dhaka Medical College Hospital.

In Rangpur, a murder case has been filed against 150 individuals, including Hasina and her sister, Sheikh Rehana, with a local court over a clash between student protesters and law enforcement agencies during a student movement in Rangpur on July 19.

A shop worker, Momdel Hossain, who was forced to amputate his left leg from the knee, filed the case. The court asked Kotwali Police Station to record it as an FIR.

In Pirojpur court, Hasina and 13 others, including five Rab members, were sued in an abduction case filed by Babul Hawlader, father of Sunny Hawlader, who was a victim of enforced disappearance in 2013.

The then Rab director general Mokhlesur Rahman was among the accused.​

 

[Saif]

Murder case: Tuku, Palak placed on seven-day remand

A Dhaka court today placed six people, including former deputy speaker Shamsul Haque Tuku and ex-state minister for ICT Zunaid Ahmed Palak, on a seven-day remand each in a case filed over the death of an 11-grader in the capital's Lalbagh area during the quota reform protests on July 18

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Murder case: Tuku, Palak placed on seven-day remand

Zunaid Ahmed Palak (Left) and Shamsul Haque Tuku. File photo

A Dhaka court today placed six people, including former deputy speaker Shamsul Haque Tuku and ex-state minister for ICT Zunaid Ahmed Palak, on a seven-day remand each in a case filed over the death of an 11-grader in the capital's Lalbagh area during the quota reform protests on July 18.

The other accused are former deputy sports minister Arif Khan Joy, Tanvir Hasan Shaikat, Dhaka University Chhatra League general secretary, Awami League organising secretary Ahmad Hossain and former Chattogram Port Authority Chairman Rear Admiral Mohammad Sohail.

Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Arobia Khanam passed the order after Md Akkas Mia, a sub-inspector of Lalbagh Police Station and also the investigation officer of the case, produced them with a 10-day prayer for each of them.

In the remand prayer, the IO said involvement of the accused with the killing of Khalid Hasan Saifullah, the slain student, was found true primarily. They need to be remanded to find out others responsible for committing such offences.

While the defence submitted separate petitions, seeking bail along with the cancellation of the remand prayer on grounds that they were implicated in the case just to harass them.

Earlier in the day, Tuku, Palak and Shaikat were produced before another court on completion of their 10-day remand in the case filed with Paltan Police Station over the death of rickshaw-puller Kamal Mia in the city's Paltan area on July 19.

Arif Khan Joy was produced before another Dhaka court on the expiry of his five-day remand in the case filed over the death of grocery shop owner Abu Saeed in Dhaka's Mohammadpur on July 19.

And Ahmad Hossain and Sohail were produced before another Dhaka court on completion of their four-day remand in a case filed over the killing of a shop owner, Nabin Talukder, in Dhaka's Paltan on July 19.

On August 19, the victim's father, filed the case against former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, Anisul Huq, Salman F Rahman and 49 with Lalbagh Police Station.

The case document mentioned that Khalid Saifullah, a student of the Ideal School and College, participated in the anti-discrimination movement like other students.

On 18 July, law enforcement officers indiscriminately fired at the students with direct support from the accused, resulting in Khalid being fatally shot.

On 20 July, his body was identified in the hospital.

The plaintiff alleged that the officer-in-charge of the police station had been evasive about the case from the beginning, causing agitation among the students.

Kamrul Hasan said that the case was later accepted in the presence of the senior army officials around 2am on August 19.​

 

[Saif]

AHM Shamsuddin Choudhury Manik and politicalisation of the judiciary

The appointment of a person with foreign nationality and his subsequent arrest highlights a troubling trend of judicial interference and manipulation

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AHM Shamsuddin Choudhury Manik and politicalisation of the judiciary

VISUAL: ALIZA RAHMAN

The recent arrest of AHM Shamsuddin Choudhury Manik, a retired judge of the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court in Bangladesh, has ignited a significant debate about the rule of law, constitutional adherence, and the overall integrity of the judiciary in Bangladesh. This arrest is not merely a personal predicament for the former judge but raises broader issues that have far-reaching consequences for the legal and political landscape of Bangladesh.

AHM Shamsuddin Choudhury Manik has long been a contentious figure, both during his tenure as a judge and in his post-retirement activities. His public behaviour, often viewed as politically biased, and his vocal presence in the media has raised doubts about the impartiality of the judiciary in Bangladesh. His involvement in several high-profile cases, which many believe were skewed in favour of the then ruling party, has further damaged the judiciary's credibility.

The controversy surrounding Manik goes beyond his behaviour in and out of court. The circumstances of his appointment as a judge are equally problematic. Manik, who had a dual citizenship at the time, was appointed to the High Court Division in 2001 and later promoted to the Appellate Division in 2012 by Sheikh Hasina's government. The decision to appoint Manik was widely criticised and seen by many as a political manoeuvre to ensure a compliant judiciary that would align with the government's agenda.

Appointing a person with foreign nationality to the judiciary undermines the sovereignty and integrity of the legal system. It raises questions about the motivations behind such a decision, suggesting that judicial appointments were influenced more by political loyalty than by merit or adherence to the rule of law. This type of practice weakens the judiciary's role as an independent check on executive power, essential in a functioning democracy, and sets a dangerous precedent for future administrations.

Several factors likely influenced the decision to appoint Manik. The ruling party might have seen Manik as a loyalist who would provide favourable rulings to support its interests, thereby securing its legislative and executive actions from judicial challenges. It could have also allowed it to consolidate control over the judiciary and minimise the risk of adverse legal decisions. Finally, by installing a judge known for his partisan views and criticism of political opponents, the government could have aimed to supress dissent and weaken opposition forces.

The appointment of a person with foreign nationality and his subsequent arrest highlights a troubling trend of judicial interference and manipulation. This undermines the independence of the judiciary and weakens the system of checks and balances that is fundamental to democratic governance. The perception that the judiciary is compromised and lacks independence diminishes public trust in the legal system. When citizens view the judiciary as a tool of the ruling party rather than an impartial arbiter of justice, it leads to decreased respect for court rulings and a broader sense of disillusionment with the rule of law. The actions taken by the Sheikh Hasina government set a concerning precedent that future administrations might follow. If judicial appointments continue to be politicised, it could become increasingly difficult to restore judicial independence and uphold the rule of law.

The arrest of AHM Shamsuddin Choudhury Manik and the controversies surrounding his past actions provide several critical lessons. Firstly, all branches of the government must strictly adhere to constitutional provisions. Violating these principles undermines democratic norms and can lead to authoritarianism. Judicial appointments should be based on merit and integrity, not political loyalty. Governments must be held accountable for actions that undermine democratic institutions. Civil society, the media, and international organisations must play a vital role in promoting transparency and accountability in governance. To prevent future abuses, it is crucial to establish a transparent and rigorous process for judicial appointments, involving multiple stakeholders, including the judiciary, legal professionals, and civil society.

As Bangladesh navigates this challenging period, it must take decisive steps to restore public confidence in its institutions and reaffirm its commitment to the rule of law. The future of Bangladesh's democracy depends on its ability to learn from these events and implement reforms that safeguard its constitutional principles and democratic values.

Dr Serajul I Bhuiyan is professor and former chair at the Department of Journalism and Mass Communications at Savannah State University in Savannah, Georgia in the US and former president of Business and Applied Sciences Academy of North America (BAASANA).​

 

[Saif]

Hasina, Gen. Aziz sued over custodial death of BDR carnage accused

After recording the statement of the complainant, the court asked the local police station to inform whether any unnatural death case was filed after the death

en.prothomalo.com

Hasina, Gen. Aziz sued over custodial death of BDR carnage accused
BSSDhaka
Updated: 25 Aug 2024, 19: 12

Sheikh Hasina and general (retd) Aziz Ahmed BSS

Thirteen people, including ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina and former director general (DG) of Border Guard of Bangladesh (BGB) General Aziz Ahmed were sued Sunday over the death of BDR carnage case accused Abdur Rahim in jail.

Abdur Rahim, then deputy assistant director (DAD) of former BDR, which was later renamed as BGB, was an accused in the case lodged over the carnage that took place in Pilkhana in 2010. He died in jail on 29 July that year.

DAD Rahim’s son Advocate Abdul Aziz filed the case with the court of Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Md. Akteruzzaman.

After recording the statement of the complainant, the court asked the local police station to inform whether any unnatural death case was filed after the death.

The other prominent accused in the case are - Mosharraf Hossain Kazal, Ashraful Islam Khan, Sheikh Fazle Noor Taposh, Sheikh Selim, Sheikh Helal, Jahangir Kabir Nanak, Mirza Azam, Hasanul Haque Inu.

Another 200 unnamed people have also been accused in the case.​

 

[Saif]

Another case filed against retired justice Manik

Police last night filed a case against retired Justice AHM Shamsuddin Choudhury Manik for allegedly attempting to enter India illegally.

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Another case filed against retired justice Manik

Photo: Collected

Police last night filed a case against retired Justice AHM Shamsuddin Choudhury Manik for allegedly attempting to enter India illegally, according to Jahangir Hossain Sarder, officer-in-charge of Kanaighat Police Station.

The case, filed under the Bangladesh Passport Order 1973, was lodged by Pijush Chandra Singha, a sub-inspector at the same police station.

"BGB detained him at the border and was supposed to file the case, but they did not comply, so the police took action," said the OC.

Justice Shamsuddin Manik was detained by Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) on Friday night while allegedly attempting to flee to India.

Following his detention, Manik was initially arrested under Section 54 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) and produced before a Sylhet Judicial Magistrate on Saturday evening.

The court ordered him to be sent to jail, but he was later admitted to Sylhet MAG Osmani Medical College Hospital due to critical injuries sustained during an attack on the court premises.​