AL-linked accused trying to have 2021 murder case withdrawn as politically motivated, victim's family alleges
According to him, after completing the investigation, Sub-Inspector Md Farhad Hossain of the district Detective Branch filed charges on 27 September 2021. Faridpur’s Additional Sessions Judge Court-2 subsequently framed charges against the accused and began trial proceedings, which are currently ongoing, with nine witnesses having already testified.
The family of Masud Rana, an expatriate based in Italy, killed in Bhanga in 2021, allegedly by Awami League-linked individuals, held a press conference today (5 May) to protest the alleged withdrawal of his murder case through its classification as "politically motivated."
Mohammad Asaduzzaman, brother of the deceased, said while reading out a written statement that Masud Rana was brutally killed on 13 April 2021 in the Gazaria area of Bhanga upazila.
Following the murder, Asaduzzaman filed a murder case at Bhanga Police Station on 15 April, naming 35 accused.
Keep updated, follow The Business Standard's Google news channel
According to him, after completing the investigation, Sub-Inspector Md Farhad Hossain of the district Detective Branch filed charges on 27 September 2021. Faridpur's Additional Sessions Judge Court-2 subsequently framed charges against the accused and began trial proceedings, which are currently ongoing, with nine witnesses having already testified.
Asaduzzaman said the main accused, Imdadul Haque Bachchu, is vice-president of Bhanga Municipal Awami League, while other accused persons are also affiliated with the Awami League, Jubo League, and Chhatra League. They had previously used political influence to carry out criminal activities in the area, he alleged.
Meanwhile, the victim's mother, Halima Begum, said her son had spent 18 years in Italy before returning home, only to be killed in a premeditated attack after he spoke out against injustice.
The family alleged that the accused recently used their influence to have the case listed for withdrawal by classifying it as "politically motivated."
A letter to that effect, signed by the Faridpur district magistrate, was reportedly sent to various offices on 23 April.
"We fear we will be denied justice," Halima said, adding that the family is also being threatened to drop the case.
She appealed to the prime minister and relevant authorities to ensure that the case not be treated as a political one, that legal action be taken against the accused, and that justice be served.
Halima also urged journalists to report the facts accurately and help ensure justice is done.
