Police Bureau of Investigation (PBI) has recommended the discharge of ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and 112 others from an attempted murder case filed over alleged injuries during the July mass uprising, citing the failure to locate the claimed victims.
According to court sources, the recommendation was submitted to the Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate’s Court by PBI Inspector Shahjahan Bhuiyan, the investigation officer in the case. The next hearing has been scheduled for February 3.
The case was filed with Dhanmondi Police Station on September 3, 2024, alleging that Sahed Ali and nine others were injured on August 4 near Mina Bazar in Dhanmondi while returning home from work during the July uprising.
The complainant, identifying himself as Sahed’s brother Sharif, named Sheikh Hasina and 112 others as accused.
Other accused include Sheikh Hasina’s son Sajeeb Wazed Joy, banned Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader, former ministers Hasan Mahmud, Mohammad Arafat, Junayed Ahmed Palak, Jahangir Kabir Nanak, Mahbub-ul-Alam Hanif, Shamim Osman and Chhatra League leaders Saddam Hossain and Sheikh Wali Asif Inan.
Police initially arrested four suspects before the investigation was transferred to PBI. During the probe, investigators were unable to trace any of the alleged injured persons, including Sahed Ali.
PBI noted that although the government published an official gazette listing individuals injured during the July uprising, none of the names mentioned in this case appeared on that list.
Efforts to verify the complainant’s identity and address were also unsuccessful. Notices sent to his claimed residence were returned and enquiries at his permanent address in Laxmipur yielded no confirmation.
This investigation report further stated that the complainant failed to produce the alleged victim or any medical documents, despite repeated requests. No treatment-related information was included in the original complaint.
Citing lack of evidence and material witnesses, PBI recommended discharge of all accused, adding that the case may be reopened if credible information regarding the alleged victims emerges in the future.
MAL/AM
