In the case, it was stated that the victims could not be traced; a recommendation has been made to acquit Sheikh Hasina and 113 others

The Police Bureau of Investigation (PBI) has recommended the discharge of 113 individuals, including former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, in a high-profile case concerning the alleged attempted murder of Sahed Ali and nine others during the July public uprising. The recommendation cites the inability to locate the alleged victims and “factual inaccuracies” in the case. The final report was submitted to the court on 5 November, with the next hearing scheduled for 3 February, according to SI Abul Bashar of the Prosecution Department.

The accused list encompasses prominent political figures, including Sheikh Hasina’s son Sajeeb Wazed Joy, Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader, former minister Hasan Mahmud, Mohamad A. Arafat, Junaid Ahmed Palak, Jahangir Kabir Nanak, Awami League leader Mahbub ul Alam Hanif, Shamim Osman, and Chhatra League President Saddam Hossain and General Secretary Sheikh Wali Asif Inan, among others.

The case was filed at Dhanmondi Police Station on 3 September 2024, following a change of government. According to the case statement, Sahed Ali was injured on 4 August while returning home from work near Meena Bazar in Dhanmondi-27, close to Border Square. The complaint alleged that nine individuals, including students from Dhaka College and City College, were injured in the incident. Sahed Ali’s brother, Sharif, filed the case, naming 113 people, including Sheikh Hasina, as accused.

During the initial investigation, four individuals were arrested by the police. Later, the PBI took over the investigation. Inspector Shahjahan Bhuiyan, leading the probe, attempted to locate the victims but found no trace of them. “The official gazette listing injured participants of the July movement does not include the names mentioned in this case. Due to these factual discrepancies, we have recommended the discharge of the accused. Should the victims’ information surface later, charges may be reinstated,” he said.

Efforts to trace the victims included sending letters to nearby hospitals, Dhaka College, City College, and Border Square. However, none of the listed victims—Sahed Ali, Rashed, Jewel, Mahmud, Nahid, Russel, Miraj, Jannatul Ferdous Naima, Aish Akter, and Sammi Akter—could be identified, and no medical records were found. Attempts to contact the complainant Sharif at his residence and via WhatsApp were largely unsuccessful, with only delayed communication taking place.

The four previously arrested individuals are Shakil Hossain Imran, Kamrul Hasan alias Kamu, Maruf Hossain, and Masud Rana Bepari. Kamrul Hasan’s lawyer, Piyush Kanti, stated, “My client has been harassed. We have informed the court, which is aware of the circumstances.”

Summary Table: Alleged Injured Victims