Bangladesh: Trial of top JMB leader Maulana Saidur Rahman resumes
Trial of two associates of Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen leader Maulana Saidur Rahman - Hel Quadri and Ayesha Akter has also been started.
A Dhaka court has resumed the trial of former Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen (JMB) head Maulana Saidur Rahman and two others. Dhaka Metropolitan Sessions Judge Kamrul Hossain framed the charges against the three on Tuesday.
Earlier on January 4, after taking the charges into cognizance the date was set for framing charges. Trial of his two associates Hel Quadri and Ayesha Akter has also been started along with him.
Additional State Counsel Taposh Pal said, "The two other accused, Quadri and his wife Akter have been absconding since obtaining bail. Pal also said that the court has fixed March 14 for the next date for recording of deposition.
On May 25, 2010, police detained the three operatives of JMB from a house near Donia Nur Mosque at Kodomtoli area of the capital Dhaka. Police had also recovered some books from their possession. Later, police filed a case against the 3 under Anti-terrorism Act with Kodomtoli Police Station.
Also read: Bangladesh: Chief coordinator of Gulshan Cafe attack killed in police encounter
Police submitted a chargesheet against the 3 including on Aug 7, 2010. The case was then sent to Dhaka's special judge court for trial after police prepared the chargesheet. Five people, on behalf of the state, recorded testimony in the court in the case.
However, the trial was stalled as it did not have the approval of the home ministry, an essential prerequisite for any trial under the Anti-Terrorism Act. The case details were sent to the concerned ministry demanding the approval to send the case to Dhaka Metropolitan Session Court. Later, the case got approval from the ministry on August 26, 2016.
After 2001, the militant organisation JMB grew popular suddenly. Rahman was one of the main leaders who lead the militant organisation in the beginning. Dozens of people including a judge and journalists have lost their lives in different times by the attacks of the JMB at different places including temples, mosques, cinema halls, restaurants and courts across the country.
Also read: Bangladesh: Court bans 34 pharmaceuticals from producing drugs