Charge hearing in arms case against ex-law minister Anisul Huq on 21 June
According to the case statement, a government notification issued on 25 August 2024 suspended all firearm licences granted for personal security between 6 January 2009 and 5 August 2024.
A Dhaka court has deferred the hearing on charge framing against former law minister Anisul Huq in a case filed under the Arms Act at Banani Police Station, scheduling the next hearing for 21 June.
The hearing was originally scheduled for yesterday (9 March) by Judge Moin Uddin Chowdhury of the Third Additional Metropolitan Sessions Judge Court in Dhaka.
During the hearing, defence lawyers, including Advocate Asif, sought more time for the charge hearing.
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They told the court that the accused's residence was damaged during the July Uprising, and a general diary was filed stating that his firearm could not be located at the time.
However, they said they have not yet obtained a copy of that GD and requested additional time. State prosecutor Zahirul Islam Kaiyum opposed the plea.
After hearing both sides, the court fixed 21 June for the next hearing on charge framing.
According to the case statement, a government notification issued on 25 August 2024 suspended all firearm licences granted for personal security between 6 January 2009 and 5 August 2024.
The notification instructed licence holders to deposit their firearms and ammunition by 3 September 2024.
It also warned that any weapons not surrendered within the deadline would be treated as illegal arms, and legal action would be taken under the Arms Act.
The case alleges that there was no information confirming whether Anisul had deposited his firearm at Banani Police Station or any other police station within the stipulated period, either personally or through a representative.
It also said he did not inform the police regarding the matter.
Police reportedly visited the address listed on his firearm licence but found no one at the residence.
Following the incident, Sub-Inspector Md Jane Alam Dulal of Banani Police Station filed the case against Anisul on 24 May under Section 19(1) of the Arms Act.
Anisul Huq was arrested on 13 August 2024 in the Sadarghat area of Dhaka while he was allegedly attempting to flee by waterway. He has remained in jail since his arrest.
