Latest news with #pro-BNP
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First Post
25-07-2025
- Politics
- First Post
Bangladesh jails former chief justice Khairul Haque for murder during anti-Hasina protests
Former Chief Justice of Bangladesh ABM Khairul Haque was jailed in connection with a murder case that occurred during the July uprising that toppled the Sheikh Hasina government. Haque did not have a defence lawyer during the trial read more Former Chief Justice of Bangladesh ABM Khairul Haque jailed after being named in murder case linked to last year's uprising against Hasina. X A Dhaka court on Thursday ordered the imprisonment of former Chief Justice of Bangladesh ABM Khairul Haque in connection with a murder case that happened during the anti-government protests in July last year. The case involves a teenager named Abdul Kaiyum Ahad, who was shot dead during the July uprising, which eventually toppled the government of former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. According to Bangladeshi news outlet The Dhaka Tribune, the order of imprisonment was issued by Dhaka's Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Md Sanaullah following a hearing held on Thursday night. Earlier that evening at 7:45 pm (local time), Jatrabari police station Inspector Khaled Hasan, who is investigating the case, brought Khairul to court. The authorities submitted the petition for the detention of the former Bangladeshi chief justice. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Khairul was eventually presented before the court under tight police control at approximately 8:15 pm (local time). The prosecution alleged that Abdul Kaiyum, son of plaintiff Md Alauddin, was shot in the face and chest by the accused during a protest and collapsed near the Kajla police box. They noted that several other protesters were also killed in the incident. What are the accusations against the ex-Bangladeshi Chief Justice? The prosecution went on to claim that Khairul, during his tenure as Chief Justice from May 1, 2011, committed a criminal breach of trust and acts of sedition by misusing his judicial authority. The 81-year-old was also accused of delivering forged and fraudulent verdicts. The petition also mentioned that multiple cases against him remain pending in various police stations across the country. The prosecution also cited concerns that Khairul might use his past influence to disrupt the ongoing investigation and requested that he be held in custody until the trial is complete. While the court granted the plea, what was concerning was the fact that no defence lawyer was present at the hearing to represent Khairul. Meanwhile, news of his trial also triggered demonstrations outside the courtroom. Several pro-BNP lawyers and citizens gathered at the premises, chanting slogans and expressing anger toward the former top judge. The former chief justice was arrested by the Detective Branch (DB) of Dhaka Metropolitan Police from his Dhanmondi residence on Thursday afternoon, The Dhaka Tribune reported. As per the court document, Abdul Kaiyum Ahad was fatally shot on July 18, 2024, during the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement in front of the Kajla police box in Jatrabari. He was allegedly shot dead by Abul Hasan, officer-in-charge of Jatrabari police station, who fired multiple shots into both of the boy's legs, causing his death on the spot. It is pertinent to note that ABM Khairul Haque served as the 19th Chief Justice of Bangladesh, assuming the role back in 2010. He retired the following year, having reached the mandatory retirement age of 67. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Interestingly, it was Khairul who delivered the landmark verdict of abolishing the caretaker government system. While serving the High Court Division, Khairul also ruled over the assassination case of Bangabandhu Mujibur Rehman and the case concerning the Fifth Amendment to the Constitution.
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First Post
08-05-2025
- Politics
- First Post
Bangladesh heading to Zia-Yunus clash as BNP wants elections in 'quickest possible' time
Amid growing political tensions in Dhaka, former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia returned from London after four months of medical treatment. Her return is seen as a pivotal moment in the opposition's push for early elections and the restoration of democratic rule in Bangladesh. read more Amid rising political tensions in Dhaka, former Prime Minister and BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia returned from London on Tuesday after four months of medical treatment. Her return is being seen as a significant moment in the opposition's push for early elections and the restoration of democratic rule following the political upheaval since Hasina's ousting. Zia, the main rival of deposed PM Sheikh Hasina, leads the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). Her party has been demanding that the interim government hold elections by December. As the country's main opposition party, the BNP has been increasing pressure on the interim administration for a swift return to the polls. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD However, the interim government, led by Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus, is prioritising its reform agenda first. Meanwhile, the newly formed student-backed National Citizen Party (NCP) is building a nationwide network and claims that holding elections under what they describe as a 'pro-BNP' bureaucracy would be unfair. They support implementing Yunus's reforms before any vote is held. A senior BNP leader said, 'We believe Zia's return will strengthen efforts to restore democracy.' Zia's return has already added pressure on the interim government to hold elections. She is Hasina's archrival. Under Sheikh Hasina's rule, several opposition parties, including Khaleda Zia's BNP, either boycotted elections or accused the government of vote-rigging. While many saw Hasina's removal as an opportunity to restore democratic elections, doubts have recently emerged about how soon the new government will actually hold polls. The interim administration has said elections could be held in December or by next June, depending on how quickly reforms are carried out. Zia's physical presence in the country holds significant symbolic value for her party, while Hasina remains in exile in India. Ahead of her arrival, BNP secretary-general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said on Tuesday that her return would help Bangladesh restore the democratic process. 'This is a joyous moment for us and the nation. At this crucial time for democracy, her presence marks a significant day for the country. We believe that Khaleda Zia's return will facilitate the path to democratic transition,' Fakhrul told reporters. Zia and Hasina have alternated as prime ministers since 1991 when the country returned to democracy after the ousting of authoritarian President HM Ershad. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD
