Habiganj man freed after 30 years in jail without trial
He had been imprisoned since 25 April 1995 on charges of killing his mother
After spending more than three decades behind bars, 60-year-old Kanu Mia walked out of Habiganj District Jail on Tuesday morning, his frail figure a silent testament to a life lost in the shadows of the justice system.
What sets his case apart is not just the length of his incarceration, but the fact that he spent over 30 years in jail without a full trial—while being mentally ill.
He had been imprisoned since 25 April 1995 on charges of killing his mother.
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Kanu, son of the late Chini Mia, was freed from the Habiganj district jail around 11 am today (15 July) following a court order.
According to the sources, a mentally ill Kanu Mia attacked his mother, Mejester Bibi with a sharp weapon when she was asleep around 2pm on 25 April 1995.
Local people caught him and handed him over to police.
His brother, Monu Mia, filed a murder case with Lakhai Police Station.
After investigation, police submitted the charge sheet on 23 March 1996.
Monir Hossain Chowdhury, Jailer of Habiganj District Jail, said Kanu Mia had received treatment over the years at Habiganj and Sylhet prisons and at the Pabna Mental Hospital.
He remained mentally unstable throughout his imprisonment, including during his time at Habiganj District Jail.
Authorities had repeatedly informed higher officials about his condition.
Public Prosecutor Md Abdul Hai confirmed that the case had been stayed by an order of the High Court, according to what he had learned.
Habiganj District Legal Aid Officer and Senior Assistant Judge Muhammad Abbas Uddin took notice of the matter and appointed a lawyer to provide legal assistance to Kanu Mia on 9 July.
District and Sessions Judge Jesmin Ara Begum on Monday granted bail to Kanu Mia when his lawyer filed a petition seeking his bail.
