Former Chief Justice Khairul Haque’s Bail Plea Rejected

A Dhaka court has rejected the bail petition of former Chief Justice A.B.M. Khairul Haque in a murder case involving the death of Jubo Dal activist Abdul Kaiyum Ahad during an anti-discrimination student protest in the capital’s Jatrabari area.

On Thursday (31 July), following a hearing, Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Masum Mia passed the order. Advocate Monayem Nabi Shahin argued on behalf of Haque, seeking his bail.

During the hearing, the defence counsel stated:

“A.B.M. Khairul Haque, a former Chief Justice, was arrested on 24 July merely to harass him. The incident in question occurred on 18 July last year, but the case was not filed until 6 July this year, almost a year later, without any clear justification for the delay.”

He further argued:

• Justice Haque retired on 17 June 2011.
• Since 5 August last year, his residence and movements have been under constant police protection, a record preserved in police headquarters.
• On the date of the incident, he was at home under security surveillance after returning from official duties at the Law Commission.
• He did not visit the Jatrabari area that day.
• Aged 81, he suffers from various chronic ailments.
• He would not abscond and was prepared to face trial if granted bail.

Despite these arguments, the court denied the bail request.

Background and Case Developments:

Case Summary:

According to the case, during an anti-discrimination student protest on 18 July last year, at around 6 PM, in the Jatrabari area:

• Abdul Kaiyum Ahad was attacked with firearms, sharp weapons, tear gas shells, and sound grenades.
• He was shot in the face and chest, collapsing in front of the Kajla Police Box.
• Then-Jatrabari OC Abul Hossain allegedly shot him in both legs.
• He was taken to a local hospital, where doctors declared him dead.

On 6 July this year, Ahad’s father Md. Ala Uddin filed a case with Jatrabari Police Station.

• The FIR lists 467 named accused, including former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina,
• Alongside 1,000 to 2,000 unnamed individuals.
• Former Chief Justice A.B.M. Khairul Haque is the 44th named accused in the case.