Attempted murder case filed against Sheikh Hasina, 1,500 AL leaders in Barishal

A case has been filed against former prime minister Sheikh Hasina and 1,500 Awami League leaders and activists in connection with an alleged armed attack on a peaceful rally by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) during the Anti-discrimination Student Movement in Barishal. 

Zia Uddin Sikder, member secretary of Barishal city BNP, filed the case last night (9 October) at the Kotwali Model police station.

Kotwali police station officer-in-charge (OC) Md Mizanur Rahman confirmed the matter.

According to the case statement, Sheikh Hasina is accused of issuing threats on several occasions. The complaint alleges that, under her orders, the Awami League has transformed into a cadre force, instilling fear by conducting armed displays in the city. These armed groups reportedly roamed various streets and alleys, creating an atmosphere of terror.

The case further mentions that on 19 July, during a peaceful BNP rally on C&B Road in Barishal, Awami League activists, allegedly following Sheikh Hasina's directive, launched an armed attack. 

Zia Uddin Sikder was stabbed and severely injured in the attack and later received medical treatment at a hospital in Dhaka. Subsequently, after the Awami League filed a case, Zia was arrested from Dhaka and taken to Barishal Central Jail. He was released following the events of 5 August.

Among the 556 named accused are Awami League Presidium Member Jahangir Kabir Nanak, former State Minister Zahid Faruk Shamim, former City Mayor Abul Khair Abdullah (Khokon Serniabat), and Sadiq Abdullah. Additionally, around 1,000 unknown individuals have been listed as anonymous accused.

This marks the first time that Sheikh Hasina has been named as an accused in a case filed in Barishal, though two previous cases had been lodged without implicating her.