Jashore, Dec 22, (V7N) - On Sunday, a total of 167 Awami League leaders and activists from Jashore surrendered to courts in connection with several cases filed against them. The individuals surrendered at three separate courts, facing charges related to a bombing incident and sabotage.

Background of the Case

The case dates back to December 30, 2018, when bombs were thrown at a polling center at the Model Government Primary School in Baliadanga village, Jashore Sadar, during the national election. Advocate Munshi Manzurul Islam filed the case with Kotwali Police Station on November 19, 2023. The case named 96 individuals, including Sohorab Hossain, the chairman of Fatehpur Union Parishad, as the main accused.

Surrender and Bail Applications

On Sunday, the accused appeared before the courts in Jashore. The individuals were divided into three groups based on their places of residence:

Jashore Sadar Upazila: 20 individuals, including Sohorab Hossain, surrendered before Senior Judicial Magistrate Golam Kibria’s court. They requested bail, but their applications were rejected, and they were ordered to be detained in Jashore Central Jail.

Abhaynagar Upazila: 105 individuals, including several prominent Awami League figures, surrendered at Senior Judicial Magistrate Palash Kumar Dalal's court. The accused included Awami League Organizing Secretary Anwar Hossain, Treasurer Anisur Rahman Mintu, Sheikh Kafi Samrat (son of former Whip Abdul Wahab), Commissioner Bipul Sheikh, General Secretary of the Upazila Volunteer League Shafi Kamal, and former Joint Convenor of the Upazila Chhatra League Kazi Mamun. The court denied bail and sent them to jail as well.

Keshabpur Upazila: 42 accused individuals from Keshabpur surrendered at a separate court. Unlike the others, their bail applications were granted by Senior Judicial Magistrate Rashedu Rahman, and they were allowed to go free.

Legal Defense

The defense lawyer for the accused, Syed Kabir Hossain Jonny, argued that the cases were based on fabricated charges and that the accused had no connection to the bombing incident. He added that the accused would appeal to the District Judge Court for bail, maintaining that the charges were politically motivated.

Legal Developments

Court Inspector Rokshana Khatun confirmed that those who were denied bail would be sent to Jashore Central Jail as per the court's orders. She also mentioned that winter weather conditions and other logistical concerns delayed the final processing of all the accused in the courtroom, but all procedures were completed in time.

The accused from both Jashore Sadar and Abhaynagar face significant legal challenges as they prepare for future court hearings. Their detention and the rejection of bail applications are expected to be central points of contention in upcoming legal proceedings.

In the case involving the sabotage in Keshabpur, the 42 individuals granted bail will likely face additional legal scrutiny, particularly regarding their involvement in activities connected to the 2018 bombing and other incidents.

Conclusion

The surrender of these 167 Awami League leaders and activists marks a significant development in this ongoing legal case, and the decision of the courts will have important implications for the individuals involved. As their cases progress, it remains to be seen whether the defense’s claims of fabricated charges will hold up, and whether the government’s political influence plays a role in the legal process. The case has sparked widespread attention, particularly given the political stature of some of those involved.

END/MKS/AJ/