ZCZC
BSS-10
HC-STAY-MURDER-SAGIRA
HC withdraws stay on 28-year old murder case
DHAKA, June 26, 2019 (BSS) – The High Court (HC) today cleared way for
continuing a 28-year-old murder case as it dismissed a rule that had stayed
the trial proceedings.
A High Court division bench comprising Justice M Enayetur Rahim and
Justice Md Mostafizur Rahman passed the order, asking Police Bureau of
Investigation (PBI) to conduct further investigation in the case and complete
it within 60-working days.
The court also ordered lower court concerned to conclude the trial
proceedings within 90-working days after the end of investigation.
The case was lodged over murder of Sagira Morshed, 34, who was gunned
down by unidentified muggers in front of Viqarunnisa Noon School and College
in capital’s Bailey Road on July 25, 1989.
Sagira’s husband Salam Chowdhury filed the case on that day with Ramna
Police Station against unidentified miscreants. A rickshaw puller present on
the crime scene identified two of the killers, but police filed charge sheet
against one Montu.
Dhaka first additional sessions judge Abu Bakar Siddique on January 17,
1991, framed charges against Montu and testimonies of seven witnesses were
also recorded.
But during the hearing, the prosecution alleged name of Maruf Reza,
close relative of then home minister Mahmudul Hasan, came up during the
investigation and was also arrested. But his name was dropped from the charge
sheet.
Following a plea of the prosecution, the court on May 23, 1991, ordered
for further investigation. But the proceedings of the case was stayed by the
High Court as Maruf Reza filed a petition, challenging the further
investigation order. Long 28-years passed with the stay on the proceedings of
the case.
The last investigation officer of the case recently drew attorney
general office’s attention to the case and the state side then finally took
initiative to withdraw the stay from the proceedings.
BSS/DA-MHR/IJ/1555 Hrs