PBI Explains Dismissal of Case Against Sheikh Hasina

The Police Bureau of Investigation (PBI) has released a comprehensive statement clarifying the reasons behind the recommendation to discharge ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and 112 others from an attempted murder case. The case, which stemmed from the anti-discrimination student movement, was dismissed after investigators uncovered a web of "severe inconsistencies" and fraudulent information within the initial filing.

Investigating the "Ghost" Victim

The case in question (No. 01, dated 3 September 2024) was filed at Dhanmondi Police Station by an individual named Sharif. The complainant alleged that his "younger brother," Shahed Ali, along with nine others, had been wounded by gunfire near Mina Bazar in the Dhanmondi 27 area on the morning of 4 August 2024.

However, the PBI’s headquarters explained on Tuesday that the narrative collapsed upon forensic verification. Investigators discovered that the identity of the primary victim, Shahed Ali, was entirely fabricated. The National Identity (NID) card number provided in the First Information Report (FIR) was found to be fake, with no mobile numbers registered against it. Furthermore, a physical search revealed that neither the complainant nor the "victim" had ever resided at the addresses listed in the case files.

Lack of Physical Evidence

The PBI’s probe extended to the alleged victim's professional life and the other injured parties mentioned in the suit. The findings, as summarised in the table below, highlight a total absence of corroborating evidence:

Commitment to Genuine Justice

Despite the dismissal of this high-profile case, the PBI emphasised its ongoing commitment to seeking justice for the victims of the July-August uprising. The bureau noted that it is currently handling a vast portfolio of cases related to the movement with "utmost sincerity."

To date, the PBI has submitted 17 charge sheets in GR (General Register) cases where allegations were substantiated by evidence. Additionally, 67 reports have been submitted in CR (Complaint Register) cases following successful investigations.

The recommendation to exempt the 113 accused—including the former Prime Minister’s son, Sajeeb Wazed Joy—was formally confirmed by Sub-Inspector Abul Bashar, the General Recording Officer of the Dhaka Chief Metropolitan Magistrate’s Court. A hearing regarding the final report is scheduled for 3 February 2026.