Staff Correspondent
The High Court in a verdict on Thursday commuted the death sentence of an Islamic militant and directed the inspector general of police to ensure that the law enforcers do not parade any accused before the media before producing him to court.
The court's observation came during the delivery of its verdict on the case regarding Jama'atul Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB) member Mamunur Rashid alias Zahid, who had exploded bomb during a media briefing in Gazipur.
Talking to reporters, Deputy Attorney General Sheikh AKM Moniruzzaman Kabir said the bench sentenced Zahid to life imprisonment commuting his death penalty in the case.
Jahid blasted a bomb during a press conference at the SP's office causing critical injury of 13 persons including journalists and policemen.
The trial court verdict ordered death sentence for him in the bomb explosion case. On Thursday, the High Court commuted his sentence to life in prison following an appeal.
The HC also observed the investigating officer of the case was 'indifferent to his duty'. The police chief was ordered to take departmental action against him.
According to the case details, police arrested Jahid and three other members of the militant outfit from Tongi on Feb 20, 2009.
They seized five locally made grenades and huge amounts of explosives from them. The law enforcers organised a media call later on that day before arraignment to publicise the arrest.
Jahid, handcuffed, was produced before the media at the office of the Gazipur SP. The grenades and explosives were also on display on a table in front of the journalists.
Immediately after the senior officials left the room, Jahid jumped onto the table and charged a grenade. The blast left 13, including journalists and policemen, critically injured.