I am innocent but treated as guilty: Ivy

Former Narayanganj City Corporation mayor and former Narayanganj district Awami League vice-president Dr Selina Hayat Ivy on Tuesday said she was "innocent but treated as guilty" after appearing before a Narayanganj court in a case over the alleged vandalism of a police vehicle.

"I am innocent. I have always protested against murder and atrocities in Narayanganj. Am I the culprit today? Anyway, God will judge this, and I have the people of Narayanganj-they will judge," Ivy told reporters after appearing before the court of Narayanganj Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate Mohammad Nurul Huda Chowdhury at around 11am.

The case was filed with Narayanganj Sadar Police Station over the alleged vandalism of a police vehicle. Ivy has been named as an accused in the case.

Her counsel, Advocate Awlad Hossain, said the defence filed an application under Section 205 of the Code of Criminal Procedure seeking exemption from the former mayor's personal appearance during the pre-trial proceedings.

He told the court that Ivy had remained in custody for a prolonged period, was suffering from health complications and, considering the overall circumstances, sought permission for her lawyer to represent her before the court.

Following a hearing, the court allowed the petition.

As a result, Ivy's lawyer will be permitted to appear on her behalf until the submission of the charge sheet and the transfer of the case to the trial court.
However, the court directed that the accused must appear in person once the trial formally commences and during the recording of evidence.

The hearing was conducted in the court of Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate Mohammad Nurul Huda Chowdhury.