TN web Logo Size-03 TN web Logo Size-03
TN web Logo Size-03 TN web Logo for Dark Mode-01-01_Artboard 4
Bangladesh Published At: 14 Aug 2024, 14:40 p.m.

Another case against Sheikh Hasina, accused Asaduzzaman Khan


x pm

A case has been filed against five individuals, including former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan, on charges of abduction dating back to 2015. The case was initiated by Supreme Court lawyer Sohel Rana, who filed the complaint in the Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate's Court, presided over by Magistrate Farzana Shakila Sumu Chowdhury.

Details of the Case:

According to the plaintiff, Sohel Rana, the incident occurred on February 10, 2015, when he was allegedly abducted from Uttara, Dhaka, along with his friend Ashraful Islam Rinku. The abduction reportedly took place in front of Smile Gallery on Road No. 1, Sector 5, Uttara, at approximately 8:30 PM. Rana claims that they were approached by an individual with a smart device asking for identification, after which they were forcibly taken in a car where they encountered men dressed in Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) uniforms.

In the complaint, Rana alleges that he was subjected to severe torture, including electric shocks, blindfolding, and handcuffing. He was reportedly taken to an unknown underground location where he was continuously tortured and threatened with death. The complaint also mentions that Rana was forced to hear abusive comments about Khaleda Zia, a prominent political figure, and was pressured to confess to setting fire to the Election Commission.

After several months of confinement, Rana claims that he was released on August 13, 2015, in Godagari, Rajshahi. He believes that the abduction and torture were carried out on the orders of Sheikh Hasina and other high-ranking officials as part of a broader plan to establish an autocratic regime.

Accused Individuals:

  • Sheikh Hasina, Former Prime Minister
  • Asaduzzaman Khan, Former Home Minister
  • Anisul Haque, Former Law Minister
  • Shahidul Haque, Former Inspector General of Police (IGP)
  • Benazir Ahmed, Former Director General of RAB
  • 25 unnamed members of RAB

The court recorded the statement of the plaintiff and directed Uttara West Police Station to treat the complaint as a regular case.

Related Case:

The filing follows a similar recent case against Sheikh Hasina and former Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader. This case, filed by SM Amir Hamza, accused them of involvement in the murder of grocery shopkeeper Abu Sayeed. Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Rajesh Chowdhury's court has ordered that the application be accepted as an affidavit.

The ongoing legal proceedings and allegations have generated significant attention, highlighting the tense political climate in Bangladesh.