Dhaka, Mar 02 (V7N) – The investigation into the murder case of journalist couple Sagor Sarwar and Meherun Runi has failed to produce a report once again, leading the court to set a new date for submission. The investigation report in the case has now been postponed 116 times.

The court of Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate MA Azharul Islam set April 15 as the new deadline for the report submission on Sunday, March 2. This delay comes after the High Court ordered the Home Ministry to form a high-powered task force last year to expedite the investigation and submit its findings within six months. However, the report has not been completed yet.

The High Court expressed its frustration at the slow pace of the investigation on September 30, 2024, during a hearing. The bench comprising Justice Farah Mahbub and Justice Muhammad Mahbub-ul Islam stated, "The fact that the investigation into the murder of the journalist couple has not been completed even after 12 years is not just sad for the family but also for the entire nation and the judiciary. This situation is unacceptable, and justice must be ensured this time."

The tragic murder of the couple occurred on February 11, 2012, when Sagor Sarwar, a journalist with Maasranga TV, and Meherun Runi, who worked for ATN Bangla, were killed in their rented home in West Rajabazar, Dhaka. Their four-and-a-half-year-old son, Mahir Sarwar Megh, was present at the time of the incident but remained unharmed.

The investigation has been mired in delays, despite the case being filed by Runi's brother, Nowsher Alam, at the Sher-e-Bangla Nagar Police Station. The accused in the case include Rafiqul Islam, Bakul Mia, Masum Mintu, Kamrul Islam alias Arun, Abu Sayeed, two security guards, Palash Rudra Pal and Enayet Ahmed, and their 'friend' Tanvir Rahman Khan. While Tanvir Rahman Khan and Palash Rudra Pal are currently out on bail, the rest of the accused remain in jail.

The family and the public continue to await justice for the tragic deaths of the two journalists, with hopes that the renewed efforts will finally bring closure to this long-standing case.