Anisul shown arrested in attempted murder case, ex-jubo league leader Pavel placed on remand

Former Law Minister Anisul Huq has been shown arrested in a case filed over the attempted murder of a man named Hadis Mia in the Mirpur Model Police Station area during the July Uprising.

Meanwhile, a Dhaka court granted a two-day police remand for Saddam Hossain Pavel, former MP from Nilphamari-3 and ex-Central Relief and Social Welfare Secretary of Jubo League, in another attempted murder case filed under New Market Police Station.

Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate MA Mizbah Ur Rahman passed the order today (15 September) after hearing two separate police petitions.

Earlier in the day, police produced both accused before the court.

Sub-Inspector Md Hosne Mobarak, the investigating officer of Mirpur Model Police Station, sought to show Anisul Huq arrested in the case.

Separately, Sub-Inspector Siam Ahmed of New Market Police Station sought a seven-day remand for Pavel.

Defending Pavel, lawyer Emarat Hossain (Bachchu) appealed for his client's bail and dismissal of the remand petition, arguing, "It is unclear how he has been implicated in this case. The FIR wrongly identifies him as a former Chhatra League leader, but in reality, he was an independent MP from Nilphamari-3. He was picked up from his residence. If he had committed any crime, he wouldn't have stayed at home. He is innocent and has been falsely implicated."

On the other hand, Additional Public Prosecutor Shamsuddoha Suman supported the remand, stating, "The case is still under investigation. The accused are facing serious allegations. They attempted to bring back fascist Sheikh Hasina and were involved in attacks, including attempted murder, during the protests of the Students Against Discrimination. Police remand is essential to gather accurate information, and arrest other fugitives."

After hearing both sides, the court ordered Anisul Huq to be shown arrested and granted a two-day remand for Pavel.

According to the case filed at New Market Police Station, on 2 August last year, there was open gunfire on a peaceful rally in front of New Market Gate-2. The attack injured complainant Habibur Rahman, Dhaka College students Majedul Islam, Mehedi Hasan, Mahbub, Nahid, Russell, Miraj, Eden College student Sammi Akter, City College students Hafiza Akter and Jannatul Ferdous Naima. A case was filed on 26 August 2024 at New Market Police Station.

According to the case filed at Mirpur Model Police station, on 4 August, Hadis Mia was shot and critically injured while participating in an anti-discrimination march in Mirpur. He later received treatment at Kurmitola General Hospital. His family filed an attempted murder case on 28 March this year.

On 13 August 2024, based on a tip-off, police arrested former minister Anisul Huq while he was allegedly attempting to flee Dhaka via river route at Sadarghat. The next day, a Dhaka court granted a 10-day remand in the New Market attempted murder case. He has remained in custody since.

On 4 September this year, Detective Branch police arrested Pavel from Lalmatia, Dhaka. He was subsequently sent to jail the following day by court order.