The Dhaka court has granted bail to former minister Hasanul Haq Inu, former minister Rashed Khan Menon, and retired Supreme Court Justice A. H. M. Shamsuddin Chowdhury Manik in a defamation case filed at Kotwali Police Station. The order was issued on Tuesday, 24 March, following a hearing before the Metropolitan Magistrate Raunak Jahan Taqir.
Background of the Case
The case was initially lodged on 22 August 2024 by lawyer Ziaul Haque, who filed a defamation lawsuit against the three defendants. The complaint centres on allegedly “objectionable remarks” made about Bangladesh Nationalist Party founder and former President Ziaur Rahman. The court accepted the case and directed the Police Bureau of Investigation (PBI) to conduct an inquiry.
On 21 January, both Rashed Khan Menon and Justice Manik were taken into custody by police in connection with the case. Following the arrest orders, Hasanul Haq Inu was also summoned to the court.
According to Deputy Commissioner Mia Mohammad Ashis bin Hassan of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Prosecution Department, all three defendants were present in court on Tuesday for the hearing. During the proceedings, the prosecution recommended the arrest of Inu in relation to the case, while Menon and Manik had already been remanded.
After legal arguments, the defendants’ lawyers filed applications for bail. Considering the submissions, the court granted bail to all three, allowing them temporary relief from detention while investigations continue.
Key Case Timeline
| Date | Event | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 22 Aug 2024 | Case filed | Lawyer Ziaul Haque lodged a defamation case against Inu, Menon, and Manik regarding comments on Ziaur Rahman |
| 21 Jan 2026 | Arrests issued | Menon and Manik were taken into custody in connection with the case |
| 24 Mar 2026 | Bail granted | Court grants bail to Inu, Menon, and Manik following hearing before Metropolitan Magistrate Raunak Jahan Taqir |
The case remains under investigation by the PBI, with further hearings scheduled to determine the final outcome. Legal experts note that the granting of bail does not imply any judgment on the merits of the case but ensures that the defendants can participate in proceedings while their legal rights are preserved.
This case has attracted significant public attention due to the high-profile nature of the defendants and the sensitivity surrounding remarks about a former national leader.
